By Amanda VanNostrand.
The passage of time is a funny thing. It affects us all, but one must intentionally stop and think about it before realizing how many things have been changed by this harsh reality. Mary Rose is a play that examines this curiosity, in addition to many others. Written by J.M. Barrie (author of Peter Pan) in 1920, this show was then considered one of the Best Plays of 1920-1921, and is currently presented by the Philadelphia Artists’ Collective at the most unique of places: The Woodlands Mansion & Cemetery. The passage of time ironically sits upon this performance and its location, taking this deep story and giving it a most appropriate home.
Mary Rose transports its viewers back and forth in time. The start of the show reveals Harry (Chase Byrd) viewing a home. His comments and those of Mrs. Otery (Corinna Burns) present intrigue, as it seems that there is something odd about this particular house. The audience is taken back in time to before Harry’s birth to a time when his grandparents reveal a secret about their daughter Mary Rose to her betrothed: years ago, Mary Rose disappeared while on a beautiful and terrible island in Scotland, and she still does not know that this happened to her; to her, it was as if no time had passed between her time on the island and the day she reappeared. Though Simon (Adam Hammet) is disturbed by this information he marries Mary Rose and the two have a child. Through intimate conversations and revisiting past places, the audience is taken on the adventure of two lovers and their family, witnessing their stories. As time passes, events unfold and the story gains yet more intrigue: freedom, the passage of time, love and loss haunt this tale.
The Woodlands Cemetery sets the perfect stage for this production, as it contains both a mansion and outdoor grounds on which the scenes are set. As the performances begin at 7pm, the grounds are light upon arrival and dark as the show comes to completion, bringing the passage of time, this strong theme of the show, into reality as the show proceeds. The mansion holds the home of the Morlands, and the audience’s seats are set up on three sides of the ‘stage’, which is a beautiful carpet, couch, chair, and various items to be found in the time of the show. It is simple and elegant and brings the audience to feel as if they are truly with this family in their time. (Production Design by Kate St. John.) Acts I & III are set in this location. Between these two acts the audience is ushered outside to the blackness of night in the cemetery. Though slightly unnerving, it is a major asset to Mary Rose. The ushers shine just enough light to guide the audience to their second setting on a grassy patch with trees, string lights, and benches to join the cast for a picnic on the mysterious island on which Mary Rose has her adventures. This setting is wonderful: again it is simple but it makes the island a reality to viewers. The Woodlands makes this play: the enchanting setting alone would be reason enough to attend.
Although the setting is certainly likely to be the favorite aspect of this show, the actors form Barrie’s work into something exquisite: from Anita Holland who plays the mysterious (albeit frightening) narrator, to Emily R Johnson as Mary Rose, each actress and actor is fitting for her or his role. Each person is a pleasure to spend time with as they beautify Mary Rose.
Time is truly relevant to this story, and everything from the story itself to its site location, characters (most of them) and their costumes stay true to the theme and purpose of the show. A genuinely talented group of people took the time to make this production into a great one. This rendition of Mary Rose is unique and lovely; it would certainly be worth anyone’s while to attend.
Running Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes including two 10-minute intermissions
Mary Rose will be playing at The Woodlands Mansion & Cemetery until September 22nd, 2018. The Woodlands is located at 4000 Woodland Avenue, Philadelphia, PA. For tickets contact the box office at (267) 521-2201 or click here.