In the dust bowl era, at the heart of the Great Depression, amidst a severe and persistent drought, a stranger sprung into town and into the hearts of one particular family, changing the fates and course of history. In particular this story centers on the fate of Lizzie (Tanna Frederick), with an alluring, captivating performance, who quite splendidly carries the show.
When the charismatic stranger, Starbuck, (Robert Standley), comes to town, the story comes to life onstage, as he makes promises of clouds appearing and buckets of rain falling. The gripping dialogue itself makes this production a rewarding experience for both the ear and eye. Standley, as the "Rainmaker," states, "I bang my drum and all of a sudden a stampede of buffaloes across the sky.. a green, blue or purple sky... raining buckets and a rainbow so pretty...." These poetic images, along with the handsome stranger come to town, who captures Lizzie's heart and fills her empty life anew, emotionally engages the audience.
This literature great, which premiered on Broadway in 1954, graces the stage at the Edgemar in Santa Monica, with its run recently extended. Both the dramatic content of the story, combined with humorous interludes between the family (Lizzie and her father and brothers), captures the sweep of nature, the helplessness of humans in the face of drought and depression; and the dreams of hope and future promise that weave their way into the fabric of their beings. Directed by Jack Heller and produced by Alexandra Guarnieri, this show is a cultural phenomenon of the waters and wishes that surround us throughout time eternal.
2437 Main Street Santa Monica
Thursdays-Saturdays 7:30; Sundays 5 PM
Reservations: 310 392-7327
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