Rebecca McGraw commands the stage as Ann Landers in ‘The Lady With All The Answers’
Rebecca McGraw commands the stage as Ann Landers in ‘The Lady With All The Answers’
The George Daily Auditorium kicked off its 2014-15 professional season on Monday night in Oskaloosa. For those who missed the performance, or those who may one day search for information on the production to determine if they want to attend, we offer Oskaloosa News theater critic Jarrod Diehm, and his thoughts about the production.
by Jarrod Diehm
David Rambo’s “The Lady With all the Answers” is a charming piece based on the story of Ann landers’ most difficult article she has had to write.
Rambo’s piece is a wonderfully written one woman show mastering direct address. Rebecca McGraw commands the stage as Ann Landers. She charms the audience with her old-time accent, whistling the words Sioux City Iowa through her teeth and reminiscing the years of experience she has advised upon the world.
Ann spends the play winning over your heart with the reflection of her life, including her sister (Popo) and her husband (Jules), leaving you with a bombshell addressing the issue in her infamous article from July 1st, 1975 and the question…Would you do it all over again?
In the second act Ann continues to win your heart, while addressing to an older, naturally conservative audience, with many democratic ideals which includes homosexuality, sex, and war, showing how charming Rebecca’s performance truly is.
In the end, the overall direction, writing, and performance builds up your soul, wins you over, and crushes your heart. Ann concludes the play with her view on whether or not she would do it all over again. Leaving the answer to your interpretation. No matter your age or your belief structure, the lady with all the answers will win you over.
Jarrod Diehm studied theater at the University of Wisconsin Platteville, where he was nominated for an Irene Ryan award for his role as Michael in Yasmina Raza’s “God of Carnage”. He is now the director of speech at BGM High School.
