Theater review: The Garden

                            The Garden

Actor/playwright Charlayne Woodard has been no stranger to La Jolla Playhouse since her 1986 debut there. She has worked for each artistic director, either onstage or as playwright. Now, at the Potiker, she brings her newest play to life through Oct. 17.

“The Garden” is a two-hander featuring Stephanie Berry as Claire Rose, an elderly woman who enjoys puttering around in her backyard garden, a truly lovely place with real plants and trees that shed autumn-like leaves when the wind blows, a wooden rocking chair and lots of gardening implements. 

Claire Rose is a pistol: opinionated, stubborn and sure she’s right, she can be a tough cookie to deal with. “You can’t be lazy and grow orchids and African violets,” she says.

She is surprised by an unannounced visit from adult daughter Cassandra (Ms. Woodard), a documentary filmmaker from whom she’s been estranged for three years. We don’t know exactly what caused the split, but much animosity seems to exist between them, and the 90-minute conversation becomes a mutual shout fest of complaints, escalating the tension in an increasing series of old hurts.

Woodard’s Cassandra, as stubborn as her mother, has also suffered reverses that haunt her to this day. 

Just when you’re about to wonder where this is going, it ends suddenly and ambiguously, shedding little light but providing plenty of food for thought and conversation on the way home.

The Playhouse picked the right directors in Delicia Turner Sonnenberg and Patricia McGregor. Both know how to choreograph these characters to excellent effect.

Rachel Hauck’s set design looks like a working garden, with lots of tools, plants and a greenhouse toward the back. Oh, and dirt, lots of it.

Karen Perry has designed simple but realistic clothes for the women. Sound and lighting are nicely executed by Sherrice Mojgani and Lugman Brown.

“The Garden” is a strange but beautiful, interesting but confusing piece.

Welcome back, La Jolla Playhouse! We’ve missed you. 

“The Garden” runs through October 17, 2021 at La Jolla Playhouse’s Potiker Theatre. Ticket information at www.lajollaplayhouse.org.

The Playhouse requires proof of vaccination and requires attendees to wear masks.

Parking is impacted by construction. Attendees are advised to park free at the Osler, on the corner of Gilman and Scholars Drive. Complimentary shuttles will be available before and after performances.