Native Gardens - Westport Country Playhouse

There are a lot of “isms” in Karen Zacarías’ funny and pointed play Native Gardens.  The work nimbly incorporates issues of ageism, classism, a touch of racism, environmentalism, regionalism, and sexism into the plot, which focuses on a land dispute by neighbors in an upscale section of Washington, D.C.  Doctoral candidate Tania Del Valle (Linedy Genao) and her lawyer husband Pablo Del Valle (Anthony Michael Martinez), a young couple with a baby due soon, have recently moved into a fixer-upper in the upmarket neighborhood.  Next door is longtime residents Virginia Butley (Paula Leggett Chase), a high-ranking engineer at a defense contractor and her husband Frank Butley (Adam Heller), a GSA employee and gardening enthusiast.  Their initial backyard get-together is unassuming and cordial until unchangeable events, long-held attitudes, and an incorrect property line sends the twosomes into a tizzy.  Encounters escalate, harsh words are exchanged on either side until an early blessing occurs and…brief blackout.  When the lights go up, it’s weeks later and let’s just say there is a “kumbaya” moment.  Everyone lives happily ever after.

The cast of Native Gardens.  Photo by Carol Rosegg.

With Native Gardens, Zacarías presents a simple problem that many audience members can relate to and then deftly, in a step-by-step manner, ratchets up the noise level and tension.  The play reminded me of God of Carnage.  Native Gardens is not as wildly funny as that Tony Award winning show, but the premise is similar.  The focus here is on the yards of each household.  Scenic Designer Anna Louizos has crafted an exquisitely landscaped set for the Butley’s backyard and a plot needing a lot of love for the Del Valle’s space.  For such an everyday setting, the playwright manages to layer in a great deal of contemporary issues that come across as natural and spontaneous.  My only complaint is the ending.  While comforting, coming after a huge, raucous-filled set-up, it is disappointing to have the play conclude so gingerly.

Pablo Del Valle and Linedy Genao of Native Gardens.  Photo by Carol Rosegg.

The show is impeccably directed by JoAnn M. Hunter.  She judiciously utilizes the 90-minute time frame to create two convincing households that are trying to delicately persuade the other of their misguided position.  Like a closely fought fencing match, Ms. Hunter has the terrific ensemble cast consistently lunge and parry, attack and feint.  The Director has added small touches to bring out the realism in the production such as a functioning watering hose and hanging bug zapper.

As stated, the performers are marvelous, each providing their own obsession and idiosyncrasy to forge a dynamic whole.  Adam Heller (Frank Butley), a long-time New York and Connecticut performer, oozes anxiety and a passive/aggressive forcefulness.  Paula Leggert Chase (Virginia Butley) exudes a confidence and vulnerability as a woman protecting her turf, but also scarred by years of proving herself in a hostile working environment.  Anthony Michael Martinez (Pablo Del Valle) effectively imbues his character with bravado tinged with fretfulness as he works to be a success at work and home.  Linedy Genao’s role of Tania Del Valle is the calm amidst the storm.  The actress superbly portrays a very pregnant woman who is, mostly, level-headed, at times mediator and antagonist.  Her practicality and inner fortitude play well as she jousts or cajoles the other characters.

The cast of Native Gardens.  Photo by Carol Rosegg.

Native Gardens, playing at the Westport Country Playhouse through March 8.  Click here for dates, times, and ticket information.