‘Time Of My Life’ Definitely Worth Seeing, But Leave The Thin Skin At Home

By Julie Stern

WESTPORT — Time Of My Life, by the prolific and wildly successful English playwright Alan Ackbourn, is set in a dining room at the Essa De Calvi Restaurant, over a period of time that slides seamlessly between the present, the past and the future.

Beginning with an intimate family dinner to celebrate the 54th birthday of Laura Stratton, who is surrounded by her husband Gerry, her two sons, a daughter-in-law and the fiancée of the other son, the play alternates between probing the aftermath of that evening, and illuminating the events leading up to it.

Ackbourn’s purpose is to experiment with the idea of time, based on the conceit that significant moments in the past do not just disappear into a vacuum. Instead, they continue to exist as part of the complex reality of existence.

Thus the story of the Strattons, the destructive impact of Laura’s personality on her children, and the consequences of Gerry Stratton’s death, are presented as interlocking elements in a structure, rather than as a linear progression.

Ackbourn is a master of comic timing, and this play is no exception. It is considerably darker than much of his other work, however. Selfish, manipulative, and vitriolic as played by Cecilia Hart, Laura is so relentlessly toxic that it is lacerating to be in her presence, even as a member of the audience.

The party is irrevocably spoiled because Adam, Laura’s favored younger son, has brought along his new girl. Maureen’s profession (hairdresser), as well as her looks, her speech, clothing, manners and her choice of gift, are all totally unacceptable to the snobbish Mrs Stratton. In her anxiety to please, Maureen drinks too much, becomes sick, and scandalizes the waiters.

Glyn, the older son, has recently reconciled with his wife Stephanie (after having left her for another woman). This pleases his father, but Laura cannot avoid a torrent of snide remarks behind their backs. Nobody can do anything to please her, and the obligation that they all feel to try, only contaminates their dealings with each other.

Paxton Whitehead is the long suffering yet still well-intentioned Gerry. He and Cecilia Hart, along with James Waterson (Glyn) and Geneva Carr (Stephanie) are all returning to Westport in a reprisal after their success last season in another Ackbourn comedy, Relatively Speaking.

Newcomers Carson Elrod and Seana Kofoed have fun with the discordant interaction between Adam and Maureen. The most comedy, though, comes from Jason Antoon, who uses a selection of wigs, glasses and facial expressions to play the restauranteur and an assemblage of sulky, inept, and egregiously friendly waiters.

The acting was fine, the timing was excellent, the dialogue was snappy, but judging by facial expressions, the total effect left a number of people feeling just a little bit off. It’s worth going to see, but it may touch a nerve.

(Performances continue at Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Court, until April 26, with shows Tuesday through Saturday evenings, and Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday afternoons.

Call 203-227-4177 or visit WestportPlayhouse.org for details and reservations.)