Clague Playhouse premieres senior romantic comedy
By Art Thomas
happenings
Published Jan. 18, 2006

We use the term “senior moment” to describe a lapse of memory, a silly mistake or some other age related error. "Sacred Hearts" at Clague Playhouse shows that some “senior moments” can be humorous, touching, and even genuinely romantic.

Set in the lounge of the Sacred Heart Senior Residence Facility in Chicago, “Sacred Hearts” is centered around the romance of Mario and Alma. Both residents of Sacred Heart, they have found a fondness for each other. At first, the growing relationship is rather secretive.  Alma hides around potted plants a lot. By the end of the first act, they are ready to go public with the announcement.

We see the reaction to the romance in Mario’s daughter Angela, a busybody co-resident Gert, and a nun who is a staff member. Their reactions are the body of the second act of “Sacred Hearts”.

The first act moves slowly and pitiful little information is given to the audience about how and why the romance developed.  A startling announcement closes the act, and we get down to business in the second act when the character interactions are deepened.

Frank Mularo is a chipper and feisty Mario. He verbally spars with Sister nurse, and glass-eyed Gert, but his best work is with Mario’s semi-estranged daughter Angela.  Lynna Metrisin brings a depth to Angela that builds the small part to major importance.  Their two second act scenes are the show’s best. Playright Margo Haas infused these scenes with the greatest passion of the script, and they are the best written and acted as well.

Marcia Mandell—she seems so young for this role — plays Alma as an older woman who can feel and demonstrate romantic passion. Under the direction of Skip Corris, Mandell sublimates the “motherly” qualities that Alma could have, and brings out the growing love — with the added dimension that it is coming from a senior citizen.

Barbara Brown and Paige Reich have some nice comic moments as Gert and Sister, with a drinking scene the best. Again, Corris’ direction is right on target here.

Playwright Margo Haas has a fresh story and intriguing character relationships in “Sacred Hearts”. The play grew on me over time and with some reflection.

There’s little plot movement, but rather characters in relationships that are explored. One of Haas’ best skills is creating well shaded characters that are spoken of, but never appear. Mario’s son-in-law Joe and grandson Rocco are almost as palpable as the five characters on stage.

“Sacred Hearts” has moments of comedy and touching sentiment in equal quality. It also manages to explore issues of relationships in a straightforward way. It is a coup for Clague Playhouse to present the local premiere of the show. The intimate setting adds to the show’s impact on the audience. “Sacred Hearts” runs through Feb. 5.