Wheaton Drama production depicts everyday struggles

Mother’s Day is just around the corner. If you want to do something different for mom this year, celebrate early and take her to see “I Remember Mama,” now in production at Wheaton Drama. The show, written by John Van Druten, is a classic piece of theater that should not be missed.

The story revolves around a Norwegian immigrant family in San Francisco circa 1910. The story is told through the eyes of the oldest daughter Katrin. In addition to Katrin, the household consists of Mama, Papa, three siblings and one boarder, Mr. Hyde. Mr. Hyde is four months behind in the rent, but the family loves him dearly. He reads aloud to them from the classics every night.

Extended family members include three aunts whom no one likes and one uncle who everyone fears. The storyline relates every day events in their lives such as a sick pet, a sick child, an engagement, a death, and Katrin’s dreams and struggles to become a writer. In every situation it is Mama who lectures, guides, reconciles and encourages the family members.

The production contains an excellent cast who all turn in professional quality performances. Linda Timpa (Mama) gives an impressive performance in the title role. She immerses herself in the character and infuses the role with a mother’s love. In a day and age where career women dominate the media, it is refreshing to see such a positive portrayal of motherhood. Roger Westman’s (Papa) role is not as pivotal, but his characterization is well developed. They both are consistent with their Norwegian accents.

Carol Brown (Aunt Jenny), Sharon Dalla Costa (Aunt Trina) and Lisa Schmela (Aunt Sigrid) form a distinctive trio. All siblings have differences and rivalry with each other and these ladies do a fine job of underscoring all the little bonds that are shared by family. It is fun to watch the aunts as they bicker with each other and moments later become best friends as they band against their most dreaded enemy-their brother Chris.

Lars Timpa (Uncle Chris) is the scene stealer of the play in the role of a curmudgeon who reveals a heart of compassion buried under a tough exterior. His comic timing is flawless and the action always picks up when he is on stage.

All of the young people in the cast – Nicole Wilson (Katrin), Casey Wilson (Dagmar), Claire Ziegler (Christine), Christian Lynn (Nels) and T.J. Watson (Arne) – give exceptional performances. Nicole Wilson seems at home on the stage and shows a wide dramatic range for someone so young. All of them do well projecting with the exception of Casey Wilson, who starts out strong in the first act, but loses some energy and volume in act two.

Pat Daly (Mr. Thorkelson) is a gifted character actor. He has very little action or dialogue, but it is always easy to tell what his character is feeling through his facial expressions and body language.

Larry Horn (Mr. Hyde), Jo-Ann Ledger (Jessie) and Ken Callaway (Dr. Johnson) give solid performances in minor roles.

Charmaine G. Jones, Christine O’Keefe, Robert Richardson and Megan Gensler show versatility in multiple roles.

Bill Donaldson’s set design is stunning and developed in great detail. The show is complex with a total of 26 scenes, but the action flows smoothly despite the multiple set changes.

“I Remember Mama,” directed by Mararet Uhlarik-Boller, is a show that the whole family will love. Little ones will be fascinated by seeing children their own age on stage. The only flaw with this show is that it doesn’t run through Mother’s Day weekend.

“I Remember Mama”

When: 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays through April 22

Where: Wheaton Drama, 111 N. Hale St., Wheaton

Tickets: $13, $16

Information: (630) 260-1820 or www.wheatondrama.org
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