“Mothers and Sons”

[rating=4] While we are struggling for theater during this historical era of “Covid-19” the computer and this new-fangled program called ZOOM, is allowing us the opportunity to enjoy both tapes productions and live readings. Thank you Zoom!

Tonight’s virtual reading of Terrance McNally’s “Mothers and Sons” presented by Pride Films & Plays was an extraordinary evening of “live theater” causing me to have the feel good warmth that one feels in the theater. The evening began with David Zak introducing us to the actors playing the roles in this 100 minute story about a mother and her relationship with her son, Andre ( now deceased) and his former lover. Cal. While these are the two main characters, who will and did bring a tear to my eyes ( and several other viewers based on the chat room notes), there are also two others, Will ( Cody Dericks) as Cal’s “husband” and the charming Patrick Scott McDermott as their son. Bud.

Benjamin Sprunger is a powerful Cal and Michelle McKenzie-Voight is sheer perfection as the bitter and lonely mother Katherine.

Kathleen had lost contact after the memorial service for her son but now is back in New York before leaving for Europe and needs to face her son’s ex. For most they might see this as closure, but as McNally writes it, it is more like a search for what might have taken place for her and her son had AIDS not been a factor. She needs to place the “blame” on someone , other than herself. This was a heck of an evening and with all of the country being on lock-down ( so to speak) a wonderful way t spend a Thursday evening. The actors were all live, but in their own homes appearing on the screen simultaneously to perform their scenes.

Zak brought this sterling work to us to honor McNally who recently passed away as a result of Covid 19. Due to our new life-style it appears that more of these types of evenings will become the norm rather than a special event. I do hope that they taped this evening and that there might be away to allow others to be able to view this work of art. By the way, they charged $10 for this production and the beauty is that you are in your own home, drinking your own beverages and being as comfy as you want. Let’s hope that there will be a great deal more of this.