A FAMILY POISONED BY THE PAST

Joanna McClelland Glass’s intimate drama
lands like overhearing a quarrel—
and keeps paying off thanks to a first-rate cast.

Modern American theater does not lack for theatrical, intense plays. These works typically explore family secrets, betrayal, revenge, trust and mistrust, plot twists and turns, and psychological (and sometimes physical) violence. But the narrative typically ends in—or at least suggests—reconciliation. Such elements dominate Louisa Gillis, a new world premiere drama North Coast Repertory Theatre has selected to open its 2026 season.

James SutoriusFaline England

Louisa Gillis is the work of Canadian playwright Joanna McClelland Glass, going strong at the age of 89. Her plays have been presented widely in England, the United States, and Canada.

Faline England, James SutoriusFaline England, Caroline Renee

Louisa Gillis consists of four characters—Celia (Faline England), Lucy (Caroline Renee), Steven (James Sutorius), and Helga (Denise Young). The elderly Steven is a feisty retired professor of Shakespeare who spends much of his time complaining intensely about personal and general matters. His daughter, Celia, is an unhappy alcoholic. His granddaughter, Lucy, also has her share of resentments, wandering through life in her 20s. Helga, who is Steven’s warm and sympathetic second wife, cares for her irascible mate.

Denise Young, James SutoriusCaroline Renee, Faline England

Glass has written a complex comedy-drama that demonstrates the damage a person can inflict on others, whether or not by malice. In this case, Louisa Gillis wrote a long letter of instructions shortly before her death, directed toward her survivors. Over a period of 40 years, that letter has psychologically poisoned the family atmosphere, leading to Celia’s alcoholism and Lucy’s rootless life. The never-seen Louisa has much to answer for beyond the grave.

Faline England, Denise YoungFaline England, Caroline Renee

Sutorius, as Steven, feels ill-used by life and gets more and more gruffly charming as the show progresses. Many of Celia’s anguished outbursts could stand as impressive mini-monologues. Renee and Young more than hold their own in the quartet, though they have less theatrical roles.

Caroline Renee, Denise YoungDenise Young, James Sutorius

Louisa Gillis is an interesting and sometimes challenging play that could be improved. Adding stage time to the current 97 minutes might flesh out intense plot points that now resemble eavesdropping on an ongoing family quarrel. But the production is still filled with rewards provided by the first-rate acting, directed by David Ellenstein, who again shows his skill at managing high-voltage dramatic material.

Caroline Renee

The physical production is excellent as always, thanks to Marty Burnett’s detailed domestic interior design, Matthew Novotny’s lighting design, Elisa Benzoni’s costume designs, Matt FitzGerald’s sound design, and Ian Scot’s music.

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photos by Aaron Rumley

Louisa Gillis
North Coast Repertory Theatre
987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach (San Diego)
ends on February 8, 2026
Wed & Thu at 7pm; Fri & Sat at 8pm; Sat & Sun at 2pm (plus Feb 4 matinee)
for tickets ($68.50–$80.50), call 858.481.1055 or visit North Coast Rep

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