4000 Miles

Vera is a 91 year old ex-hippie activist. Leo, her grandson, who has just completed a bicycle ride across America, arrives at her Manhattan apartment at 3am, unexpected, exhausted, smelly.

Leo is a bit of a rebel. Rather than going to college, he’s achieved the altruistic ambition of celebrating the 4^th July right in the centre of the country. But he’s carrying the burden of something that horrific that has happened along the way.

Vera, was a rebel herself. She still surrounds herself with the Marxist books of her hippie days. She understands Leo – and provides a haven for him to regain some equilibrium. Despite the generation gap, these two characters are very similar!

Jennifer Leslie brings the weight of experience to establish a feisty and understanding Vera. From the moment she walks a little haltingly on to the stage, there is the persona of an old woman who won’t give in to frailty. The Vera Amy Herzog created, (based on her own grandmother), is strong and determined despite the fact that she ‘can’t find the word’ and needs a hearing aid – and Leslie finds all of this in her very believable and empathetic characterisation.

Cameron Hutt plays Leo. There is a mixture of suppressed angst and optimism in the character and Hutt physicalizes this in hesitant actions and thoughtful pauses (some a little long). As his relationship with Vera is re-kindled, Hunt allows Leo to grow in warmth, understanding and trust. This is a demanding role full of intricate subtleties and Hunt has worked hard to find them. He is strongest when his prevaricates less, raises his voice and reacts more naturally.

Leo’s girlfriend, Bec, is played by Kate Gandy. It is a small role, but Gandy manages to convey the discomfort that Bec is feeling. She is confused about Leo’ actions – and  reactions – and is no longer able to trust.

Nicky Norton has, at short notice, taken on the role of Amanda, a young Chinese New Yorker that Leo brings home after a night out. She is a bit tipsy, and a bit over-the-top and Norton plays her with charm and energy.

Norton also plays the voice of Leo’s adopted sister Lily. This is a nicely directed scene. As Leo sits at the laptop ‘skype-in in semi-darkness, Norton, as Lily, wanders about the darkened set as if she is answering from across the country.

The relationship between Vera and Leo develops very naturally, allowing Leo eventually to share his pain and guilt in a very emotional scene. The decision to play fairly long and very intimate scene on an almost dark set does not allow the audience to share the full intensity and emotion of the moment.

There are some warm and touching scenes in this very carefully crafted and highly acclaimed play. The characters are very real. Vera could be everyone’s grandmother, Leo anyone’s son or grandson. But their relationship is special – and the production underlines that special-ness. 

Carol Wimmer

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