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Regional Reviews: Florida - West Coast Sotto Voce
Sotto Voce exists on two levels, the present and in past events surrounding the voyage of the SS St. Louis, often referred to as "The Voyage of the Damned" because its passengers were turned away first from Havana, Cuba, then from Miami, and the 900 plus Jewish refugees were eventually forced to return to a war torn Europe where they were not welcomed. Bernadette, a writer, is a recluse with ties to this tragic event, which brings her into contact with Cuban student Saquiel who wants to learn more. The third character is Bernadette's housekeeper/caretaker. The rhythms of the play as it flows from present to past are uneven; the two levels do not seem to be all of a piece. I personally found the parts of the play that took place in the past much more interesting than the present, my partner who attended with me had the opposite reaction. The first half of the 55-minute first act did not come into focus for me, and I struggled mightily to figure out what was going on. While I believe that the major weakness of this production is in the script, I can not be sure that the direction by Melissa Kievman is not part of the problem. All of the actors give fairly generalized performances, lacking a richness that might add dimension to these people. Kathryn Hunter as Bernadette has the right physicality for a woman in her 80s, though I am unclear if Bernadette's frailness causes her to stay housebound or if being housebound by choice impacts her physical strength negatively. Marcel Mascaro, who joined this production while they were already in rehearsal, is all joyous youth, never walk when you can run. When he turns on the super charm and ensnares Hannia Guillen as Lucila, he exerts a smouldering Latin sexuality. But I never see the side of the character who would relentlessly pursue information about a long ago event. Hannia Guillen seems to draw her character from the others—I never sense much inner strength in the woman. All of this may come from the shortcomings of the script, the characters just do not exist in multiple dimensions on the page, therefore it becomes an almost impossible task to bring them to life. Scenic design by Adrian W. Jones, a full stage bookcase with openings which allow us to see projections on a rear scrim, is accomplished. The projection design by Robert Figueira is competent but from my perspective, toward the rear of the small orchestra section they don't make much impact. Costumes by Michiko Kitayama Skinner are fine, as is the lighting design by Mathew Richards. Sotto Voce was one of the most disappointing theatrical events I have attended in a long time, and I just am not sure where it went so wrong. Perhaps others will find it more engaging than I did. Sotto Voce, presented by Asolo Repertory Theater through April 26, 2015, at the Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, Florida, 34243. For performance and ticketing information, visit www.asolorep.org or call 941-351-8000. Cast (in order of appearance):
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