A Taste of Honey

A Taste of Honey

The Pearl Theater Co.

September 17, 2016

Photo courtesy of The Pearl Theatre Co.

A Taste of Honey is receiving a poignant and well-deserved revival at The Pearl Theatre Co.  Director Austin Pendleton finds just the right pace and tone that brings texture and relevance to Shelagh Delaney’s timeless and valuable script.  The cast delivers authentic and moving performances in this raw and honest production. 

The play tells of the complex relationship between Jo (played by Rebekah Brockman) and her mother, Helen (played by Rachel Botchan).  Helen abandons Jo when she jumps at the chance to marry Peter (played by Bradford Cover), a man with some money and means.  There is hope that Jo will have a future with her sailor boyfriend, Jimmy (played by Ade Otukoya), but he does not return from service, leaving her pregnant and alone.  She befriends Geoffrey (played by John Evans Reese), an outcast gay male.  Geoffrey takes over Jo’s care.  Any sense of security is thrown into disarray when Helen returns and discovers that Jo is carrying a biracial baby.

Rachel Botchan & Rebekah Brockman
Photo courtesy of The Pearl Theatre Co.

The plot does not sound very daring, but keep in mind that A Taste of Honey was first produced on the West End of London in 1958.  Portraying unmarried mothers, homosexuality, and biracial relationships was shocking and groundbreaking at that time.  Not only that, but playwright Shelagh Delaney was only eighteen when she wrote the play.  The severity of the dialogue and the depth of the characters are skillfully developed for a playwright of any age and experience level.  Her dialogue boomerangs, creating levels of emotional response in the relationships that unmask prolific characters and an insightful point of view. 

Rachel Botchan, Bradford Cover, & the Musicians
Photo courtesy of The Pearl Theatre Co.

Rebekah Brockman is sad, brooding, strong, and intense as Jo.  Her character runs directly into conflict, fights like mad, then retreats.  She generates a formidable level of empathy.  Rachel Botchan portrays Helen as a fierce survivor.  Her actions might be deplorable, yet you understand they are based on her limited choices.  John Evans Reese is charming and willful as Geoffrey.  He remains stoic and determined in his commitment to Jo, and never loses his sense of humor.

The characters’ fears and biases reflect their economic struggles and are not limited to the time period of the play.  The needs, expectations, and emotional conflicts in the relationships are pertinent to every generation. 

A Taste of Honey runs at the Pearl Theatre Co. (on 42^nd Street between 10^th and 11^th Ave.) through October 30.  Be sure to see it!

Domenick Danza