Review: '20th Century Blues' Smolders, but Doesn't Catch Fire

"20th Century Blues" is a comedy/drama focusing on a quartet of older women dealing with the difficulties of aging, sex, health, and relationships.

Despite some energetic performances and smooth direction by Lynne Collinson, the story and the characters never catch fire the way they should.

We meet four friends in New York City. Danny (Carol Schlink) is a famous photographer. Gabby is a veterinarian. Mac (Jacqueline Sophia) is a writer. Sil (Janette Talento-Ley) is a real estate agent.
For the last 40 years, the ladies have gathered to take a group photograph. When they all arrive at Danny's studio/loft, Danny asks them to sign a release authorizing her to exhibit all their photographs at a museum. Sil vehemently objects. Gabby and Mac are also reluctant to give Danny permission to showcase their images to the general public.

During the course of the afternoon, secrets are revealed, and emotions flare up. Danny has an adopted son (Ian Hudgins) and a mother (Carol Varden) in a nursing home. Gabby is recovering from breast cancer. Mac, who is Black and a lesbian, has been forced out of her job. Sil has gotten a face lift in an effort to look younger.

These are all interesting subjects, but playwright Susan Miller never goes deep enough into exploring them. It's all too superficial to have any dramatic impact.

What emotional and psychological scars would Gabby have from losing one of her breasts? We never find out.

How has Mac's sexuality impacted her family and her career? We never find out.

How will Danny's son react when he learns he's adopted? That is also completely glossed over.

The women reflect on all the historic events they have witnessed in their lives: The John F. Kennedy assassination, September 11, the 2016 Presidential election. Great, except we never get to learn how these events impacted them on a personal level.

There's one truly brilliant line of dialogue, spoken by Gabby, in reference to the non-stop insanity we're living through today: "There used to be more space between the strangeness."

The Players have assembled a superb cast for this production.
Schlink is tremendously charismatic and likable as Danny, a woman with a lot on her plate.

Another gem of a performance is by Sharon Carpentier, who gets many of the funniest lines in the show as Gabby. "Why do women live longer than men? So they can finish their conversations."

Sophia and Talento-Ley also create fully realized characters. The actresses are all wonderful, but are ultimately let down by Miller's writing.

Instead of true reflection, we get to watch the women dance to a Sister Sledge song, "We Are Family." Miller also throws in a shamelessly contrived moment near the end of the show. No spoilers here, but it's clearly intended as a tearjerker. To me it seemed hollow because there was no build-up. If you're going to bring serious subjects into your show, then why not explore how they affect your characters?

"20th Century Blues" is not a bad show, just a misguided one. There are a few moments of genuine wit and truth. It's a shame Miller chooses manipulative pathos instead of giving a greater insight into these women's lives. It's a missed opportunity and sometimes frustrating to watch.

20th Century Blues runs through October 23. The Players at Barker Playhouse. 400 Benefit Street, Providence, RI. For tickets, visit theplayers.org.