With the advent of electricity came a new treatment for women of means who suffered from hysteria – a vibrating device to help release fluids in the womb. Yes, it is exactly what you think it is and The Production Company’s production of Sarah Ruhl’s hysterical play is fantastic. Dr. Givings, played by Michael Oosterom, has invented a vibrating apparatus to treat his patients. Despite the obvious pleasure that the apparatus provides, Dr. Givings remains emotionally detached and views these sessions with a scientific eye. Much to the chagrin of his wife, played by Joanna Strapp, all of her husband’s studies into the female condition has still left him sadly oblivious to the love and affection that a woman wants from her husband. Ruhl’s script is an unconventional love story and a beautiful thesis on love and what it is to love.
The Victorian era setting for this play is wonderfully developed by set designer August Viverito and costume designer Kelly Graham. Viverito’s set pays particular attention to the details, right down to the wainscoting and electric Tiffany-esque lamp that are typical of that era. Graham’s costumes are gorgeous and, unlike a lot of smaller productions, the characters change clothes on a regular basis to help demarcate the passage of time.
Dr Givings (Michael Oosterom) and Mrs Givings (Joanna Strapp)
Director August Viverito has put together a phenomenal cast and through some clever blocking creates several great moments and some truly touching relationships. Strapp is outstanding as Mrs. Givings. Her facial expressions are hysterical and she is able to convincingly portray a woman who is surrounded by people, but feels completely alone and dejected. Her performance is both laugh out loud funny and heart breaking. Oosterom, as Dr. Givings, is the perfect counterpart to Strapp. The Givings are like two magnets whose opposing polarities are being forced together. They want to love each other, but societal conventions prevent them from flipping around where they can come together easily.
Elizabeth Southard as Annie, Dr. Givings assistant, is magnificent. Her performance is understated compared to the antics taking place around her, yet painful in its honesty. On the other end of that spectrum are the two patients who are treated for hysteria, Yael Berkovich and Ben Gillman. They both settle into their roles, but their first scenes, before they are treated for their hysteria, are too over the top to be believable.
This production is a treat from start to finish. After the initial embarrassed titters about having a vibrator on stage pass, the wit of Ruhl’s script and obvious talent on stage take over to tell a wonderful story. This play is not necessarily suitable for the younger audiences, but well worth the ticket price. Even if just for the love scene, which never gets riskier than a PG rating, but is pleasantly erotic all the same. To quote Joss Whedon’s “Firefly,” “I’ll be in my bunk.”
*Coverage provided for the Culver City News