Poquoson Island Players opened their season closer last week with Taking Leave by Nagle Jackson.  This show is different from a normal season closer for PIPs and an unusual choice of show.  Many when they go to a PIPs production expect a musical, a comedy or a mystery, maybe even a drama. But how about a show dealing with something that is hitting close to home for many people all over the country… Alzheimer’s.

This was a bold choice for PIPs and a good one.  Taking Leave brings us into the home of Eliot Pryne, an old now-retired Shakespearean scholar who has succumbed to Alzheimer’s.  We meet Eliot-1 first when he was young and of sound mind as he begins to tell his story.  Through what resembles a memory play in reverse we experience the story of Eliot and how his daughters deal with his illness.  Those of us who have been around this illness have had to ask ourselves many questions .  Who will take care of them?  How will we divide the work?  What will we do when they or we need more help?  This play again is not the usual PIPs production but it does have its fair share of humor and plenty of compassion.  Taking Leave is not a play anyone should leave out.

Eliot Pryne is played by DON RITZ. Now Mr. Ritz is either incredibly good or the character is easy to hide behind.  I’m going with Mr. Ritz being very good for this role and it is a challenging one for any actor.  Mr. Ritz creates a character that we can offer compassion and sympathy, and in return gives us a fair amount of humor.  KATHLEEN WALDEN is believable as Mrs. Fleming.  Alma, Liz, and Cordelia played by (MICHELLE MERKSAMER, HOLLY JOHNSON,  NICHOLLE HARRIS) are at their best when in scenes together.  They are good but they shine in the scenes where everyone is at each others throat and are trying to decide ‘what to do with dad.’ 

The weakest of the cast is Eliot-1 played by ANDREW TELLER.  He is just... there. 

The direction of this production is under the hospice of RANDI DAVENPORT who you can tell has a close connection with this piece, either because she has had a family member succumb to Alzheimer’s or has just found a play that moves her.  It is the kind of thing all directors occasionally find. 

The show is tight, well paced and really contains a beautiful mix of humor and love.

The production was done as a partnership with The Alzheimer’s Association Southeastern Virginia Chapter, which supports families living with the devastating impact of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. 

TAKING LEAVE will continue to run through July 1 at Poquoson Middle School.  For reservations call (757) 881-9797 or go to www.pipstheatre.com