'The Grass Harp' brings unconventional love and laughter

The play offered a rewarding opportunity for the cast.

By Jasmin James

Published Oct. 13, 2009

The department of theatre performed its interpretation of Truman Capote’s “The Grass Harp” throughout the week of Oct 7. Directed by professor Jim Miller, this interpretation of a Southern folk tale took audiences by storm.

If you haven’t heard of Capote, you might recognize him as the man portrayed by Philip Seymour Hoffman (whose performance snagged him an Academy Award) in the 2005 film, “Capote.” He is most noted as the author of such works as “In Cold Blood,” “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and “The Grass Harp” — one of his more comedic, heartwarming pieces.

Miller introduced the play with a wealth of praise for Capote.

"Enjoy and embrace the Southern eccentrics in this delightful little piece of Americana by one of our greatest writers, Truman Capote,” Miller said.

The musical, which Miller calls "a cult musical to musical aficionados” featured upbeat, quirky compositions and harmonic voices, all perfected by musical director Nelson Neves.

The intro to the play was classic and featured a long pompous song, highlighting all the many instruments in the ensemble. For the rest of the performance, the melodic sound intermixed with vocals, reminiscent of spry, cheerful '70s-style harmony that fit well into the musical, especially because it was first performed in 1971.

The story was set in the early 1930s, but just from the set, lighting and costumes, each of the characters seemed to be in an era of their own. A large China bush tree filled the horizon of the stage and for most of the play it remained the center focus, ultimately becoming a part of the play itself.

Although the story had a dark shade of humor among its very intimate plot, the audience was able to appreciate the wit of the cast and characters.

Actresses Alesha Hammon, Paige Sommerer and Naomi La Fond said they were more than thrilled the audience responded to the humor.

The musical was amusing, with song and dance, impressive acting and an unconventional story. The play, which was about a family in the deep south who were struggling with trust, self-identity and family, had a variety of characters.

“This was the weirdest, strangest, oddest show I’ve ever done,” La Fond said.

Sommerer said she really appreciated the opportunity to be in this play.

“It’s wonderful we got to do it," she said. "It’s a lost treasure, both dark and happy-go-lucky."

As the women changed in their dressing rooms for the last time, they smiled and laughed, speaking all at once, eager to talk about their performances. They told stories about the youngest member of the cast, 11-year-old Neil Cathro, who played the son of one of the main characters.

Sommerer said they fed off his energy. Cathro played the youngest son of Babylove Jenkins, a loud-mouthed traveling preacher.

Senior Alexandra Milner spoke highly, not only of the performance, but of Miller as well.

“I’ve done a lot of shows with Jim (Miller)," Milner said. "It was enlightening and I loved it."