June 20, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

“The Gift” On Stage At Geffen Playhouse – “Full Of Sound And Fury, Signifying Nothing”:

Australian playwright Joanna Murray-Smith’s “The Gift” was recently premiered at the Geffen Playhouse and this is one gift you might want to return.

Crammed with what appears to be every thought she’s ever had in her head from the creeping boredom of a long marriage to the role and responsibility of the artist, to the trials and tribulations and sacrifices of parenthood to global warming, etc. Well, you get the idea.

That said, it’s really challenging to write a categorically negative review when the talented director Maria Aitken assembled such a top-notch cast, each of whom gives a very creditable performance.

The action begins with Sadie (Kathy Baker) breaking the fourth wall to deliver a monologue directly to the audience. This device is used by both Sadie and her husband Ed (Chris Mulkey) in the beginning of the play and is pure exposition talking about past events and does not move the action forward. Eugene O’Neill used this device in many of his plays but it served to tell a relevant story and to keep the drama unfolding. Don’t tell me; show me. But I digress, as does the rambling, off-the-wall narrative.

The story is about two couples that meet at a tropical resort and become instant buddies, sharing intimate stories about each of their lives. The middle-aged couple, who are childless, are celebrating their 25th anniversary. Played by a very talented pro, Chris Mulkey and an equally talented Kathy Baker, both of whom, despite poor material, manage to deliver excellent performances. The younger couple, who are parents of a little girl, is played by Jaime Ray Newman as Chloe and James Van Der Beek as her husband Martin, both of whom also give multi-layered, believable characterizations.  

These new best friends imbibe wine and soon Chloe suggests that they play the truth game, each one revealing an intimate secret – always dangerous “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf” territory who did it so much better. Secrets are revealed. An event takes place on the beach which is life-changing for Ed and the two couples agree to meet one year later which is when the 90-minute, without an intermission, play really goes off the deep end and strains credibility. In the name of loving their child too much, Chloe and Martin make an incredulous offer of a gift to Sadie and Ed who actually wanted to give the young couple a gift for Martin’s display of heroism on the beach. It was at this point that I put the cap back on my pen and waited rather impatiently for the end that I hoped would be mercifully soon.

In addition to the excellent performances, “The Gift” is a visually stunning production with a gorgeous, multi-functional set by scenic designer Derek McLane, who, with the often-used device of projections, creates a very compelling storm sequence with high tides, thunder, and waves breaking. Lighting designer Peter Kaczorowski creates a delicious profusion of colors that, coupled with the excellent performances, serve as a distraction from the poor narrative.  

There’s an old David Mamet axiom that if it ain’t on the page, it ain’t on the stage, but in this instance, the professional ensemble was able to transcend what was on the page and deliver highly polished performances.

The Geffen Playhouse

10886 Le Conte Avenue

Los Angeles, CA 90024

Run:  Tuesday – Sunday through March 10, 2013

Tickets:  310.208.5454

www.geffenplayhouse.com

in News
<>Related Posts

(Video) Where great minds grow at The Willows Community School

June 19, 2025

June 19, 2025

The Willows, a DK-8 co-educational school, enrolls 474 students from 57+ zip codes annually. As a balanced, progressive educational leader, experiential learning,...

Film Review: The Life of Chuck

June 19, 2025

June 19, 2025

FILM REVIEWTHE LIFE OF CHUCKRated R110 MinutesReleased June 6th A  heartfelt movie of lie, love, friendship and loss, delivered in...

THIS WEEKEND: Five Outdoor Concerts for Make Music Day Comes to Santa Monica

June 19, 2025

June 19, 2025

The global event, inspired by France’s Fête de la Musique, unites communities through music and is observed in over 800...

(Video) The Guest List Collab Dinner with Chef Raphael Lunetta and Chef Alan Wong

June 19, 2025

June 19, 2025

Held at Marelle Restaurant at The Sandbourne Hotel in Santa Monica. An Incredible mix of Hawaiian and Santa Monica’s flavors...

Jeni’s Drops Goose-Inspired Ice Cream Flavor to Kick Off Summer of Sweetness

June 19, 2025

June 19, 2025

Goose Tracks Is a Nod to the Jam-Band’s Live Magic + Super Fun Times Flavors Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is...

Santa Monica’s ‘Summer Soulstice’ Festival Returns with Music, Classic Cars, and Family Fun

June 18, 2025

June 18, 2025

The event, featuring music, a PRIDE-themed bingo, a car show and a beer garden, spans Main Street from Strand Street...

(Video) A Plus Tree: A Steward of Urban Forest Management Across Los Angeles

June 18, 2025

June 18, 2025

For More Information, Go to Aplustree.com For More Information, Go to https://t.co/oL7U8M4k7B pic.twitter.com/fCAYMCsLXU — Santa Monica Mirror (@SMMirror) June 19,...

(Video) See Inside Voodoo Doughnuts’ New Venice Beach Shop

June 18, 2025

June 18, 2025

The Creative Portland Franchise Has Opened Up at Windward Circle The Creative Portland Franchise Has Opened Up at Windward Circle....

Justice Served by the Slice: L.A. Chefs Rally for Pies for Justice Fundraiser

June 18, 2025

June 18, 2025

Sweet, Savory, and Pizza Pies to Support Foster Youth and Civil Rights Chefs and restaurants from across Los Angeles and...

What to Expect at This Weekend’s ‘Venice Summer Fest’ in Mar Vista

June 18, 2025

June 18, 2025

Attendees Can Expect More Than Two Dozen Bands, a Classic Car Show, Food Trucks, Vendors and More The Venice Summer...

Santa Monica’s Tourism Report Reveals Economic Gains, Industry Optimism for 2024

June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

City Welcomes 4.2M Visitors, Celebrates Local Heroes at Annual Tourism Summit Santa Monica Travel & Tourism (SMTT) hosted its 16th...

Here’s The Pride Events Coming to Santa Monica This Weekend

June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

They offer a mix of entertainment, sports, family activities, and community resources Santa Monica will mark Pride Month with a...

Santa Monica Police Arrest Man in Attempted Sexual Assault of 84-Year-Old Woman

June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

Suspect Charged With Multiple Felonies After Attack Near 6th and Wilshire Police have arrested a Long Beach man in connection...

Multiple Injuries Reported in Windward Ave Collision: REPORT

June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

Emergency crews closed the affected intersection to secure the area and began cleanup efforts A vehicle collision involving at least...

Florida Congressman to Visit American Legion Palisades for Relief Fundraiser

June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

The event aims to support the post’s relief efforts, with 100% of proceeds benefiting the cause Congressman Brian Mast, a...