Firstborn is an autobiographical family drama by Tiffany Golden.It is a story of how a family declines and sinks into a dark place after the death of the mother. The father is a bereft musician, and in his self-pitying despair he stops overseeing his two daughters. The firstborn is pregnant and living apart beginning her new life with her boyfriend. The younger daughter is at home and lost as she feels increasingly abandoned by her sister and father. Of course, the attention she gets from her pastor is of the wrong kind.
Throughout we feel the presence of the mother in imaginary dialogues between her and the younger daughter, and when she appears in dream sequences. The younger daughter spirals down into a near death suicide attempt which prompts a wake up call to her father and sister.It is, in the end, a story of family healing.
The cast is tightly woven with some good acting throughout. The father and daughters are believable in what is an all too common family tragedy involving a loss, sexually exploitative clergy, and people adrift in their own private hell.
Lisa Carlson is one of the supportive gems in this play. She plays three characters in brief but very well drawn roles: A school principal, a doctor and a church member, Sister Jackie. I did not recognize Lisa in her wig and that alone is probably worth the price of admission.
Firstborn is the latest in Lisa's still new second career. It must be frustrating to be relegated to minor parts but our gal is slowly and organically paying her dues. One hopes we will see more of Lisa's talents onstage in future productions.
George Cohen (friend & inner city social worker)...
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