By Joan Gross
What’s it like starring on stage with your wife or husband? Adam Slusser and his wife Margery Bailey of Burlingame, will have the chance to find out for the first time when they play the lead roles in the Hillbarn Theatre production of “Einstein and the Polar Bear” starting March 19.
“This experience performing together has been a tight-wire act. I know Adam’s strengths and vulnerabilities onstage and off, too. It’s been wonderful to have this experience with him,” Bailey said.
“One of my goals has been to act together, not to mention the fact that we are playing romantic leads. Although I only saw Margery act in one play, I knew she was a good actress. Through this process, I am reminded of how truly talented she is,” Slusser said.
This two-act contemporary comedy by Tom Griffin is heralded by the Burbank Leader as a “fun play- an offbeat, character- driven romantic comedy with brain, heart and sass.”
It is the story of highly regarded novelist, Bill Allenson, who has isolated himself, and his father in a New England farmhouse. In the midst of a snowstorm, a young commercial artist, Diane Ashe, appears seeking lodging for the night. There is colorful dialogue, along with interruptions from the aging father and various local characters, as well as an otherwise unlikely love affair.
“Bill is a very complicated person. He hides in so many ways, in his surroundings, behind language, and always trying to cover his true feelings. It has been a real process to try to find who Bill really is. Deep down, he is just a little boy who wanted the world, fame, love and recognition. It is a challenge to have the audience not turn away, but to draw them in and inspire them to want to know more about him,” Slusser said.
Bailey sees her character obsessed with Bill. I manipulate him to take me in and slowly creep into his life using all of my feminine wiles. But throughout the journey of this play, these characters learn from one another,” Bailey said.
Belmont resident Davidovich, who portrays the quirky mail carrier role, has been performing in local Peninsula theatre, industrial films and independent commercials over the past 28 years. “I am one of the comic elements within the show. I provide a little levity when things get tense, and truly care for Bill Allenson. My character has a heart of gold, will help anyone when needed and knows everything about everybody as the only mailman in town,” Davidovich said. His biggest challenge is to find a balance between being friendly to Diane and protecting Bill. “There is a Charlie in every family. He may not be the brightest in the world, but he tries to impress everyone with his mastery play of words,” Davidovich said.
Director Hunt Burdick of Redwood City views the show a realistic slice of life into the common soul and human spirit. “It’s like a good chess game, challenging, yet falling into place. Every moment each character is getting richer and deeper,” Burdick said.
He feels that it touches a common thread of how people adapt to or run away from their emotions with loss, sometimes with humor, and other times, angst. Burdick, who grew up in Palo Alto, has worked in the entertainment industry for 15 years..
Rounding out the production staff are lighting design and properties by Darren Hochstedler, sound design by Ron Ho, costumes by Jacqueline Delgado, scenic design by Hillbarn technical director Danny Broome and stage manager Roland Mangan.
Performances will run March 19 to April 10. For more information and tickets, call 349- 6411, fax 340-6412, or email boxoffice@hillbarntheatre.org. Hillbarn Theatre is located at 1285 East Hillsdale blvd. In Foster City.
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