A FEATHER IN ARYE GROSS’S CAP
Playwright Anna Ouyang Moench uses the setting of a wooded area — beautifully designed at Odyssey Theatre by Mark Guirguis — as the backdrop of this beautiful family drama. The father, John (Arye Gross), is just about equally bound to his liberal and earth-loving principles, his love of bird-watching, and his expectations for his two children, Caitlyn (Jacqueline Misaye) and the never-seen Jeremy. Every few years over the course of about 15 years, we view the status of their growing/struggling relationship during Caitlyn’s birdwatching visits with John.
What makes the play so powerful is the richness of what is said and left unsaid. Director Peter Richards paces the pair beautifully, with pauses that often say as much as the dialogue. Moench’s script has such depth to it, taking us on a slow ride that never loses us, yielding both laughter and sympathy as each character puts their foot in their mouth just as some progress is made. If you don’t see your family in these two, you’ll certainly see your friends’ families. Toward the end of one later scene, where the inimitable Mr. Gross has the stage to himself, the audience collectively holds their breath waiting to see what choice John will make.
Mr. Gross is one of the most watchable actors I have ever seen. His internal machinery spews out gestures and reactions that all appear organic. His is easily the best acting on stage in L.A. right now. If you see this show for any reason, his remarkable performance should be it. Ms. Misaye is a different acting style, more soap opera than theater; her actions are premeditated but she hits the right notes.
In Birds of North America, the sighting of birds primarily serves as the source of a safe topic — something the two can both talk about without losing their control. Yet birds are the last thing these two need to be talking about in this touching story that deserves to be seen.
photos by Jenny Graham
Birds of North America
Odyssey Theatre Ensemble, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd in West L.A.
Pay-What-You-Will Mon at 8; Fri & Sat at 8; Sun at 2 Wed at 8 (Nov. 15)
ends on November 19, 2023
for tickets ($25–$40), call 310.477.2055 or visit Odyssey
