David Lutken, EJ Zimmerman and Rob Morrison in THE PORCH ON WINDY HILL at People’s Light. Photo courtesy of Northlight Theatre Company
By Ellen Wilson Dilks
Malvern’s People’s Light hits a big anniversary this year. Founded in 1974 by Ken Marini, Dick Keeler and Danny & Meg Fruchter, the theatre company is now a half a century old. To kick off this momentous year, they are presenting THE PORCH ON WINDY HILL by husband-and-wife team David Lutken and Sherry Stregack Lutken, in collaboration with Lisa Helmi Johanson and Morgan Morse. It runs on the intimate Steinbright Stage from September 18th thru October 20th, with performances at various times Tuesdays to Sundays. Check the website for specifics.
The production takes us to the mountains of North Carolina, where Mira—a biracial Korean American and her boyfriend Beckett delve into the joys and pains of the past as Mira reacquaints herself with her estranged grandfather. Traditional Bluegrass instruments are featured as the couple mends past hurts through the power of music. THE PORCH ON WINDY HILL delves into the impact of one’s heritage and the need for human connection in each of us.
Mira is a classical violinist, while Beckett is—for lack of a better term—a musical anthropologist, with a special affinity for the folk tunes of the Appalachian region. It is Spring of 2021 and, after the long period of lockdown, things are slowly opening up. Now Beckett can finally finish his research for his doctoral dissertation. He is exploring the history of the area’s music and whether the shift in demographics is changing it. The two have been travelling around in a rattletrap of a van, and have broken down in Windy Hill, NC. Beckett is surprised to discover that Mira spent her early years there and her grandfather still lives in the town. Her grandfather Edgar has played with many of the musicians Becket has been studying and the music soon becomes the means by which they all connect.
EJ Zimmerman and David Lutken in THE PORCH ON WINDY HILL at People’s Light. Photo courtesy of Northlight Theatre Company
As always, the production is technically first-rate, starting with the incredibly detailed porch setting by Mara Ishihara Zinky. It is a feast for the eyes to look at the many well-worn items that immediately evoke a country farmhouse porch. Dawn Chiang lights the piece, nicely showing the passing of time from late afternoon to night to early morning of the next day. Suitably appropriate costumes are the work of Gregory Graham, while Sun Hee Kit provides a soundscape that offers sound effects when needed and a bit of supplemental music. The pre-show music totally gets the audience in the proper mindset. David M. Lutken serves as musical director and makes great use of his vast knowledge of folk songs.
Lutken plays against type as Edgar, a local electrician and musician who, at one time, played with many of the great bluegrass artists. Lutken has an innate charm and a winning way with audiences, but here he comes across a detached and shut off emotionally. EJ Zimmerman plays his half-Korean granddaughter., Mira Zimmerman does a nice job of playing a young woman trying to hide her vulnerabilities. Being at Windy Hill for the first time in almost twenty years is painful. She too is keeping her emotions under guard. Boyfriend Beckett initially acts the “hail fellow well met” as he tries to serve as the buffer between the two—without even knowing the full story. As Beckett, Rob Morrison is at times overly earnest, but soon settles in as he hears more about the local music—his passion. All three are most connected when playing together. Slowly the tale of Mira’s childhood as a bi-racial child in this mountain community comes to light. It is a painful one, the worst hurt being what she feels as Edgar’s rejection.
While the music—and musicianship—is great, I found myself wishing for more of the personal story of Edgar and Mira. We do learn a fair amount in the end, but it is rushed through.
Family tales have been the backbone of drama since the Greeks. More of this one would have made the music even richer in my opinion.
WHEN YOU GO: THE PORCH ON WINDY HILL is performing on the Steinbright Stage at People’s Light—39 Conestoga Road (Route 401), Malvern, PA 19355. Performances are Tuesdays thru Sundays now until October 20th, 2024. This production is recommended for ages 12+. PORCH contains strong language and racial slurs. The running time is 2 hours and 10 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission.
Special Events during the run of THE PORCH ON WINDY HILL:
AAPI Affinity Day CELEBRATING Asian, Asian-American and Pacific Islanders
A day of celebration for Asians, Asian Americans and Pacific Islander communities! Saturday, October 5—pre-show panel @ 1pm, performance @ 2.
“Tales with Tom”—free with RSVP! Join local legend and longtime People’s Light company artist Tom Teti for a pre-show Scoop like no other. With his trademark wit and searing insight, Tom performs pieces focused on memory and growing old. In relation to themes in The Porch on Windy Hill, this “Tales with Tom” highlights the Vietnam War and the young people that served and died. Following the performance, share a drink or snack with Tom and chat about the piece, then join us for The Porch on Windy Hill at 2pm (separate tickets required). Sunday, October 13 at 1pm — RSVP here
Thursday Hootenannies
A post-performance BYOI (bring-your-own-instrument) musical free-for-all with the cast. All musicians and music enthusiasts are welcome to hoot, holler, and sing along. Thursday Nights: 9/26, 10/3, 10/10, 10/17
Access Date: Wednesday, October 9 at 2pm (50% tickets available)
Smart Captioning: October1st—13th. Check with Box Office to add the glasses to your ticket order.
Relaxed Performance on Sunday, Oct. 6 @ 2pm. At each Relaxed Performance, we offer Audio Description, ASL interpretation, and a pre-show sensory tour where you can interact with set and prop elements and ask questions. The Box Office can arrange for Audio Description headphones. Pre-show sensory tour at 1pm (free with RSVP to diiorio@peopleslight.org)
People’s Light is fully handicapped accessible. There is plenty of free, off-street parking and the Farmhouse Bistro serves dinners prior to curtain. For additional information and background on THE PORCH ON WINDY HILL, patrons can call the Box Office at 610-644-3500, or visit the company’s website at www.peopleslight.org
COVID PROTOCOLS: Masks ARE NOT REQUIRED AT THIS TIME. The CDC may change its protocols, so go prepared.