Jake’s Women

The intriguing set is the first indication that Galleon Theatre Group’s latest comedy Jake’s Women will be unusual. Dramatic in red and black, dressed impeccably and instantly thought provoking with its single regular doorway and multiple curtained entranceways along the back wall, it ensures one immediately thinks it must have come from a vivid imagination.

That may or may not be the case, but the plot of this lesser-known of Neil Simon’s plays is all about just that; an overactive imagination.

Jake is a writer who struggles with the realities of his existence. When his own circumstances overwhelm him he retreats into his book plots and dives deep into the wish list he has in terms of his real life. Here, things are complicated too, because Jake is often confused between the real and the imaginary, especially when it comes to the females in his life and novels.

Director Warren McKenzie and his fine cast do great work and from front-of-house to technical detail, Galleon does its usual fantastic job of providing an enjoyable night out for audiences…but this Neil Simon play is not without its issues.

When Simon’s Jake’s Women was first staged in 1990 it was met with critical reviews, after which the playwright rewrote seventy percent of the text. I’m not sure he quite got the rewrite right either. Perhaps the famous award-winning playwright has been just a little too clever with this play.

Galleon’s terrific set delivers intrigue and the plot synopsis also intrigues, however there can be a fine line between intriguing and confusing, especially when you consider audiences have little time to grasp the nuances of a complicated plot. For at least the first half of Jake’s Women the writing is a little too confusing and almost frustrating, as various women and a child come and go either in the present by the real front door, or through the soft dark doors of imagination, the present imagined/supposed, the past or even death.

Andrew Clark anchors the story with a terrific performance as the only male character, Jake. Clark is totally believable as a man lost since the early death of his wife and whose imagination attempts to control the females in both his writing and his past and present real life.

Marie Nield gives a natural, nuanced performance as Maggie and is a standout amongst the remaining cast.

Joanne St Clair is an experienced actor and it shows. She is immensely funny as Karen, a lady who never quite conforms to Jake’s expectations.

As Jake’s late wife Julie, Laura Antoniazzi once again allows us to see her fresh and exciting talent, producing a strong performance.

Molly McCormack is excellent as Jake and Julie’s daughter Mollie, at 21-years-old. Young Eilish Devlin is a delight as Mollie at age 12.

Laurie Mulgrew is perhaps a little reserved as Jake’s analyst Edith, but this is still a good performance.

Anita Canala has superb stage presence as Sheila and picks up the show’s overall pace in her fine main scene with Jake.

As is invariably the case for Galleon Theatre Group, detail is rounded off to perfection with excellent costumes. Unlike many community theatre groups this company is lucky enough to have a resident hairdresser and it shows in the actors’ perfect hair and makeup.

Jake’s Women requires greater than usual concentration, particularly for a comedy, but thanks to Galleon Theatre Group’s professionalism, a skilled director and the excellent ensemble work of the actors concerned, this production is nevertheless an entertaining, funny and often poignant theatrical experience. Enjoy.

Lesley Reed