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The Wimberley Players began their 2020 theatre season with Sean Grennan’s “The Tin Woman,” a play about a woman who has, literally and figuratively, lost her heart.
Based on true life events, “The Tin Woman” is a comedic drama about life, hope and found families who seek each other out after shared tragedy.
The play centers around Joy, a 36-year-old woman who, after a prolonged illness, receives a heart transplant. As she recovers, Joy comes to grips with survivor’s guilt and depression revolving around the second chance she’s been granted. With the encouragement of her best friend, Darla, Joy reaches out to her donor’s family in the hopes of receiving answers to these existential questions.
Meanwhile, the donor’s family has been experiencing a similar slow implosion as they come to terms with losing Jack Borden, who was also 36 years old. The Bordens have mixed reactions to Joy’s message — from the over-the-top exuberance of Jack’s sister, Sammy, played by the lovably scene stealing Cassandra DeFreitas to the simmering reticence of Hank, Jack’s practical father.
Acting as the glue of the family is Jack’s Mom, Alice, deftly played by Cinda Donovan. Alice responds to Joy’s letter, leading to an awkwardly-touching get-together that finally puts Joy and Jack’s family onto a path of healing.
In her production notes, director Tracy Arnold said, “Anyone who’s required an organ transplant knows the horrible ordeals of blood tests and waiting lists. But what happens after a successful transplant is complete? Does life revert to normal for the recipient, the donor and their families?”
“The Tin Woman” explores these feelings of disconnection, loss, guilt and grief, and the cast balances these emotions with a commitment to their characters that feels genuine in its delivery. Very quickly, the six-member ensemble draws the audience into the action, making us feel as though we’re voyeurs witnessing a coffeehouse conversation between Darla and Joy, or preschoolers in a story circle watching Jack’s sister Sammy struggle to teach us about the cycle of life and death.
In one particular scene, centered around a box of Jack’s old clothes, the audience gets a ringside seat to the subtle kind of non-confrontational argument between Alice and Hank, the kind of discussion that can only happen between a couple who has been married for many years. Flawlessly bantered between husband and wife, the conversation exposes lingering frustration and regret over the loss of their son. In the hands of a lesser skilled actor, Hank’s character could easily get lost in the bluster of his anger, but Mark Webster plays him with a soft-bristled gruffness that has the audience quietly rooting for the inevitable outburst of his rage.
The Wimberley Players continue their effort to enlighten and inspire their audiences by tackling difficult subjects through the arts. In the playhouse lobby, they include statistics and information about organ transplants, as well as a signup for becoming an organ donor.
The Tin Woman will continue its run through March 8 at the Wimberley Playhouse with shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. For tickets or more information, go to The Wimberley Players' website or call 512-847-0575.
