Strawdog Theatre presents CHARLES IVES TAKE ME HOME.
In this tight and original piece, Playwright Jessica Dickey orchestrates a father-daughter dance. It’s not to a wedding song. It’s to a life concerto. Dickey explores generational, gender and life passion differences between a father and daughter. Dave Belden (dad) is a violinist. Stephanie Chavara (daughter) is a basketball enthusiast. Their relationship is about convincing the other that their obsession is worthy.
Director Keira Fromm keeps the action seamless. Jamie Vann (Charles Ives), Belden and Chavara are always visible on stage. Depending on the scene’s focus, one or two of them are on the sidelines brooding or observing. Vann serves as the amicable narrator. He plays the famous composer who was also a father. He gently, but firmly, pushes Belden to be a better musician and parent.
What works in this simple story of music verses sports is the complex nuances of it. Chavara dribbles herself from precocious 10 year old to fervent coach…sometimes within moments. She impressively transforms from youth to adult continuously. She rallies her team (the audience) with a motivational speech to go for the win. Meanwhile, Belden deconstructs his style with the encouragement of Vann. Under the musical direction of Mike Przygoda, Belden plays intermittently and beautifully throughout the show. Belden’s music becomes his emotional outlet. We hear the hope, the disappointment, the regret, the resignation. At different points, we hear the harmony between Belden’s playing and Chavara’s dribbling. These interludes are both in-sync and in contrast. The bittersweet combination is powerful.
CHARLES IVES TAKE ME HOME is a perfect Father’s Day tribute. It showcases a father-daughter relationship that doesn’t follow a traditional tempo. Instead, each struggles to define their life on their own terms. Both want to be an aficionado in their chosen passion. The ongoing conflict is respecting the other person’s choice. Dickey’s story is relatable for any parent that wants a child to be a living legacy of their own life’s passion.
Running Time: Seventy-five minutes with no intermission
At Strawdog Theatre, 3829 N. Broadway
Written by Jessica Dickey
Directed by Keira Fromm
Music direction by Mike Przygoda
Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays at 8pm
Sundays at 4pm
Thru June 21st
Buy Tickets at www.strawdog.org
Production photo by Chris Ocken
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