1st Stage: Birthday Candles

 What an endearing play!  "Birthday Candles" written by Noah Haidle, tells one woman's life story from her 17th birthday through to her 103rd.  Aspects toward the end seem a bit improbable; however, isn't that just like life?  Everyday is her next or a succeeding birthday.  A ping and a flash of blue light and a year has passed, or two, or ten.  And one by one everyone she knows finds their moment and quietly steps off of the stage to follow a white path into blackness.  

The writing is very generous and funny.  Key phrases are recycled from one generation to the next with great effect.  And a presiding over everything is a succession of goldfish named Altman.  The cast includes some of the most recognizable talents in the DMV.  I would characterize at least three of them as also among the most likable--something that matters in this play full of funny moments, personal foibles, failure and finally forgiveness.  

Chris Genebach as husband #1, Matt is just an every-good-guy husband, until he isn't, which makes the cracks even more pronounced.  Jacob Yeh, and husband #2, Kenneth is the balm that Ernestine (Deidra Lawan Starnes) needs to rediscover the grace and the resilience that fuels her inner being.  With 10 nominations and 2 Helen Hayes Awards over the years, I will be shocked if this performance doesn't put her name back in the running.  

The set was a beautifully detailed slice of Ernestine's home.

1st Stage is a small theater.  It is nestled on the backside of a strip mall over an auto repair shop.  With overflow folding chairs, I think you can get 116 butts in seats.  They are the most reasonably priced group, too.  There are discounts for: Seniors, Young Adults, Educators, First Responders, Active Duty Troops, and High School Students can attend for FREE.  My tickets with the Educator Discount are always $20.00, when Full Price are always $55.00.  

Hannah Taylor as Alice, Ernestine's mother.

Ernestine [Deidra Lawan Starnes] being given her first goldfish by her unrequited childhood friend, Kenneth [Jacob Yeh].

Ernestine with her children, Madeline [Hannah Taylor] and Billy, [Patrick Joy]

With her first husband, Matt [Chris Genebach].

With her neurotic daughter-in-law, Joan [Surasree Das]

Ernestine and Kenneth wed after Matt dies with dementia and they are both 70.