-Brenda Hillegas
photo by Wide Eyed Studios
Ladysitting, by Philadelphia-based author and playwright, Lorene Cary, bas been extended through March 3rd at Arden Theatre Company. The theatre’s intimate Arcadia Stage is the perfect setting for this heartfelt story about Nana’s 101 years on earth. Based on Cary’s memoir of the same name, the 90-minute play shows us the incredible life of an independent woman, Nana (played by Tony-winner Trezana Beverley) and why she must allow (and move in with) her granddaughter Lorene (Melanye Finister) and Lorene’s husband Bob (David Ingram), and their daughter Zoe (Monet Debose), to care for her after all these years on her own.
This is a tough, but loving, story to watch. Lorene shares many memories of the times she spent with her Nana as a child. We also see the stress that being Nana’s caretaker puts on the entire family. Nana sees it too. Still, she’s resilient as she’s visited by the Angel of Life & Death and her late father (both played by Brian Anthony Wilson). They want her to come with them, but she’s not ready to go just yet.
Cary’s Ladysitting reminds audiences that the ups and downs a family can face are all normal. The feelings are normal. Loren is part of a “sandwich generation”, taking care of aging parents or grandparents while still trying to navigate their own family, children and responsibilities. This show is as real as it gets, and one that many of us can relate to or will need to someday. But it’s also a story of love, compassion, and wonderful memories.
For info and tickets, visit here.
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