Harold, a spoiled young man, experiments with destructive ways of destroying himself in order to get the attention of his self-obsessed, affluent mother. Maude is peacefully wise, an old but youthfully vibrant, offbeat octogenarian who befriends him. What could possibly go wrong?! Colin Higgins’ screenplay has us falling in love with these opposites as they meet at a funeral, of all places. Ironically, it’s their love of memorial services, albeit for their own reasons, that unites them. As their unorthodox relationship develops, Harold learns to live life.
The Community Players present this classic, directed by Brad Kirton, which blends satire with love and loss to create a delightful mix of poignancy and jocularity. The relationship between Harold and Maude is as complex as it is endearingly sweet. Dysfunction attracts dysfunction here, but hey, if it results in love, and love is beautiful, then who are we to judge?!
Kirton says, “Colin Higgins initially wrote Harold & Maude as a short, 20-page One-Act for his thesis. It soon morphed into a brilliant film with a beautiful soundtrack by Cat Stevens, which developed a cult following. Finally, it was converted into this formidable stage play, which confronts themes of life, love, death and legacy.”
Initially introduced to Harold & Maude at age 16 by his general manager at the Blockbuster store where he worked, Kirton compares this love story to Pixar’s Inside Out. He says it is “One of the most clear and succinct descriptions of how both Joy and sadness work together to create something beautiful. It explores the existential questions of what makes life worth living and how life continues on — after. This play presents introspective challenges, while offering both humor and understanding, when dealing with living life, and living with death. Intertwining both silly antics and truthful undertones, it is the definition of dark comedy.”
Kirton adds, “It makes us ponder what truly matters in life. It offers its audience the prospect that what is most important is human connection. Love comes in many forms, regardless of age, origin, gender, sexuality, et al. It is something we all put out into the world. It is a form of acceptance.”
There’s an ick factor in seeing an old woman kissing a young man. The play reminds us society is much more willing to accept an older man in an intimate relationship with a young woman. Harold’s mother, portrayed by theatre veteran Karen Gail Kessler, wishes him to be married, but clearly he’s still young enough to not be. As we watch Harold celebrate Maude’s 80th birthday with her, somehow the ick factor dissipates.
It’s awkward enough being a young man loving someone old enough to be his great-grandmother. Imagine having the task of convincing an audience that you, so spiritless and seemingly suicidal, are in love with said woman. Enter Noah Martinez. As Harold, he effortlessly rides the pendulum from being devoid of life to being lively in love. Mission accomplished. Veteran Mary Paolino portrays his counterpart with a calming grace (and physical agility) that only she can bring. Together, they do an amazing job of portraying big-hearted souls capable of the unconditional love we come to admire.
Izzy Labbe portrays three different potential love interests for Harold, with “Nancy” especially drawing snorts from the crowd. Molly Berard lends a deft hand as Mr. Murgatroyd, AKA “Mugsy,” a seal Maude liberated from a zoo. Rounding out the cast are Dan Curtin, W. Grant Willis, Leslie Racine Martin, Ron Martin and Katie Weeks.
Lighting designer Graham Pelligra utilizes some cool low lighting effects. These moments are especially effective, including an amazingly beautiful candelabra scene. Set design by Dillon Bates and Kirton intertwines a trifecta of two rooms separated in the middle by a massive tree for nature scenes. Various references to trees perhaps lead us to think about life, death and renewal. More than just a fixture in the background or a convenient observation tower, this tree serves as a quiet character reminiscent of life’s cycle of growth, death and rebirth – of stability, unwavering endurance, and maybe even a sense of belonging.
Harold and Maude challenges us to look at life and love from a different perspective. This couple connects on a soul level because it’s what’s inside that counts. That message couldn’t be more timely.
The Community Players present Harold & Maude through February 22. Production contains flashing lights, theatrical fog, and sudden loud noises. For more information, visit thecommunityplayers.org.
Photo Credit: Bob Emerson
Photo Credit: Bob Emerson