In real life, when horrible things happen, the victim may never completely recover. People can be hysterically crying one minute, and then hysterically laughing the next. Lost loved ones never truly leave our consciousness.
Scarlett Ridgway Savage's original play, "Dear Daddy, Love, Cassie," is a thought-provoking drama that realistically explores these and other unhappy characteristics of life.
The play focuses on Cassie (Christine E. Fryenborg), a young woman institutionalized after a suicide attempt. Her doctor suggests Cassie write to her dead father as a form of therapy. As Cassie writes, her father, who died when Cassie was 11, becomes alive in her mind.
The two help each other deal with issues of rape, suicide, divorce, abandonment and alcoholism. "Dear Daddy, Love, Cassie" offers no concrete solution or cure-all for difficult topics. Instead, it offers honesty, love and sometimes humor as ways of coping.
Savage, who wrote and directed the play, has received numerous critical accolades and has been contacted by Samuel Goldwyn Films about a film adaptation.
Savage's script is poignant and moving, brought to life mainly by Christopher Savage (the playwright's husband) who gives an unforgettable and phenomenal performance as Jack, the father. His depth and understanding brought some audience members to tears.
Christine E. Fryenborg is solid but occasionally one-dimensional as Cassie. Her few shallow moments cause some of her dialogue to fall flat and sound almost comical. Timothy Dargon shines in his supporting role of the therapist.
Scarlett Ridgway Savage has honed her script, written nine years ago, to near perfection. Originally one act, the show is now full length with an intermission. Savage added the second act after talking with Christopher Savage (then just an actor in the play) and realizing that there were questions left unanswered. In the second act, Cassie begins to recover and heal, although she still has a long way to go as the show ends.
While "Dear Daddy, Love, Cassie" is a moving drama that deals with the tough topic of rape and sexual assault, there are elements of comedy.
"I'm a big believer that life is drama, but there has to be comedy in life," Savage said. "The tension gets so high in the play so it needs relief."
One of the best things about Savage's script is the combination of drama and comedy, making the script honest and real.
The show is running at the Black Box Theater of Boston Center for the Arts. The theater is cozy and personal - perfect for the intimate nature of the show. It is produced by Bare Minimum Productions, a company famous for producing high quality scripts at low costs. There's no evidence of scrimping, though: the show features an excellent set, effective lighting and sound, and striking costumes.
The script is amazing. The acting is at worst solid and at times phenomenal. "Dear Daddy, Love, Cassie" is well worth the trip into town, as it provides a moving and powerful theatrical experience.
