Cappie review of “The Rainmaker” by Mende Jo Wentzel, Edison High School, Alexandria, VA

Whales swim in it, fish breath in it, and flowers shrivel into dust without it; have you guessed it? Water is the basis of all living things and its vital role is apparent in our lives. However, in Arena Stage's production of The Rainmaker water serves as a symbol for not only our physical needs but our emotional necessities as well.

Set in the midst of the Great Depression, this classic drama by N. Richard Nash follows the physical and emotional drought going on in the small Western town of Three-Points. The lack of rain has taken its toll on the Curry family ranch. Father H.C. Curry holds onto hope along with his youngest son, Jim. However, their optimism is in stark contrast to the despairing attitude of H.C.'s older son Noah and daughter Lizzie. Also to blame for Lizzie's pessimistic view on life is her inability to "catch a man" in a time when a woman was only as valuable as the man she married. Lizzie's self-described "plain" looks and her lack of self-confidence have left her unable to woo the man of her dreams, town deputy File. As the situation seems at its bleakest, redemption appears in the form a Bill Starbuck, a smooth-talking stranger who promises that for $100 he can bring the elusive rain. H.C. Curry accepts Starbuck's gamble much to the dismay of Noah and Lizzie, who refuse to see the magic in life. During his stay Starbuck seeks to bring the beauty of the human imagination and spirit into Lizzie's gray and desolate world.

Arena Stage's performance provided an accurate and honest rendering of this poignant story. The small cast of actors worked well as an ensemble and was able to capture the essence of small town America with only a few characters. As H.C. Curry, the loving patriarch of the family, William Parry gave a believable performance. His mannerisms and characterization helped the audience to identify with H.C. and his motives and to share in his plight. Johanna Day as Lizzie also gave a stunning performance; her facial expressions and energetic acting allowed her to capture the various levels of her multi-dimensional character. Day worked well with the mysterious stranger, Bill Starbuck, played by Michael Laurence. Laurence's sing-songy voice and powerful stage presence captivated the audience. The much needed comic relief to this brilliant drama was amply provided by Ben Fox as the deceitfully dumb Jim Curry. With his clever line delivery and excellent sense of comedic timing, Fox kept the audience in welcome fits of laughter.

All in all the show proved to be both entertaining and thought provoking. Arena Stage's production is truly a treat that everyone deserves. The Rainmaker will run through April 9 at the Arena's Fichandler stage. Catch this one before it washes away.