The current production at the Strand Theatre caused me to reflect on not who I am, but rather who I think I am. We all do it. Whether it is second guessing yourself, staying inside not because of COVID but for fear of being seen, or even trying to live up to what we think society wants us to be. Bottom line is we are far quicker to see the worth in someone else before we see it in ourselves.
Director Emily Hall brings these fears to life and puts them in our face with this production of Mary-Kate Olsen Is In Love by Mallery Avidon. Not taking anything away from her amazing vision for this show but being able to relate to the characters is a big plus for any director. Hall has her cast toeing a brilliant set design by Brad Norris. Norris’ turntable allows for the Strand and its audience to be transported to two locations seamlessly. Hall takes what I found to be a choppy, ill-conceived, confusing script and makes certain that the audience understands what the overall theme is. She has breathed life into an otherwise lifeless piece of writing.
From what I gathered, Grace, played by Alex Ade, is in a marriage that is going nowhere. She works two jobs to support a husband that spends his days smoking pot and playing video games. Tyler, her husband played by Nate Krimmel, seems to have a better relationship with his video game soldier, played brilliantly by Dave Iden, than he does his wife. At this point it is worth pointing out that this is some of the best acting I’ve seen this year. Hall’s casting is on point and the characters are believable. Ade had a look like I do when leaving my therapist’s office. She emotionally embraces Grace and still allows us to believe that Grace could be any of us. My hat is off to them for embracing their roles and delivering an excellent performance.
Here is where it gets confusing. Grace is visited by Mary Kate (Kaitlyn Fowler) and Ashley (Lanoree Blake) Olson. Why? I don’t know, but she is. It wasn’t clear if they were in her mind or if they were real. Either way, Fowler and Blake have captured today’s sisters to a tee. Each has developed their character and have you believing who they are. They both have even the little details down and Fowler’s makeup and costuming could be taken right off the internet. Both ladies bring emotion, comedy, and waves of talent to the stage.
For me the bright stars in the production were Emma Hooks, Joseph Mulhollen, and Mika J. Nakano, known as the Amazing Girls. Three actors that try to bring the production together and are the most relatable thing about the show. Listen as they relate to everyday life and watch their reactions to what they are going through. They drive home the message of “everyone has worth”, and that worth should not be affected by money, style, fame, or any of several things that we use to rate our lives. This message is so powerful. It made me want to hug someone and let them know that I care, and I see your worth even if you are still discovering it.
Go and see Mary Kate Olsen is in Love. It is a pleasant dose of love that we could all use. Go with an open mind and an open heart. The important thing is to go. Stepping out will not solve all your problems. It will however show you that you are not alone. You are loved and you have so much worth. As Director Emily Hall so perfectly stated, “If you help me to move past my 89%, I’ll help you move past yours.” See the show for a better understanding.
Running Time: Approximately 70 minutes with no intermission
Mary-Kate Olsen is in Love plays through June 26, 2022 at The Strand Theatre— 5426 Harford Road in the Hamilton neighborhood of Baltimore, MD. For tickets, call the box office at (443) 874-4917 or purchase them online.
