Nostalgia Works--If Memory Serves

It’s one measure of how far we are from the mid-century that a hugely successful franchise such as John Van Druten’s 1944 play, “I Remember Mama,” seems like a quaint chestnut, appealing to us out of a sentiment and past that feels otherworldly. A vital, shrewd revival might develop this perspective, or at least openly acknowledge the vast gap.

Director Stewart E. Rogers’ staging at Golden West College’s Stage West in Huntington Beach unfortunately doesn’t, instead delivering an unevenly paced and under-rehearsed version (with text adapted by Charles Mitchell) that feels exhausted by the end of its two-hour-plus run.

“I Remember Mama” should exude warmth but not in the sense of an exercise.

Before writer-director Van Druten enjoyed a healthy Broadway run with this wartime drama-comedy, it was Kathryn Forbes’ best-selling memoir-novel, “Mama’s Bank Account.” On the heels of the play’s hit status, CBS--then a year old--turned it into one of the first sitcoms.

In fact, the classic family sitcom template was essentially established by Van Druten, whose play, set in 1910, is little more than a series of episodic situations--little and big problems to be resolved by the Norwegian emigre Hansen family on San Francisco’s Steiner Street.

Mousy Aunt Trina (Heidi Harper) wants to marry equally mousy undertaker Mr. Thorkelson (Bobby Pillitiere) without a dowry. Youngest Hansen sister Dagmar (Susie Sabala), suffering from an ear infection, returns home to find her beloved cat, Aunt Elizabeth (played by compliant feline actor Frankie) nearly dead. Grumpy, wealthy Uncle Chris (Charles Taylor) scares sisters Katrin (Ramsey Schlissel) and Christine (Marie Sardelli) but turns out to have a kind, philanthropic heart.

Above all, narrator Katrin (author Forbes’ alter ego, whom Van Druten employs as guide) remembers Mama (Dolores Harper); kind Papa (Robert Cummings, II) is so far in the background he might as well not be there.

Tending to the spare budget, the bank account and everyone else’s problems, Mama is a self-effacing woman who likely doesn’t exist anymore--and probably never did, except in the loving memories of a writer-daughter.

The really interesting aspect of “I Remember Mama” is “remember.” The play was nostalgic for a war-torn America in ‘44; now, it is beyond nostalgia and in a time warp. The effect is that of opening a long-shuttered photo album, revealing the young and sunny faces of relatives we only know through others’ memories.

“Mama” presented in such a framework could revive the shopworn drama whose second act fizzles early. Yet little is interesting under Rogers’ direction, which inspires minimal energy from his cast. Most go through the motions (and try to hold onto their Norwegian accents) like neophyte dancers making sure they hit each step.

Harper displays keen and charming comic timing as Mama. Taylor takes on the dominant role of Chris with the kind of eccentric comic fortitude that’s badly needed from everyone else.

* “I Remember Mama,” Stage West, Golden West College, 15744 Golden West St., Huntington Beach. Today-Saturday, 8 p.m. Ends Saturday. $9-$10. (714) 895-8378. Running time: 2 hours, 20 minutes.

Dolores Harper: Mama

Ramsey Schlissel: Katrin

Charles Taylor: Uncle Chris

Robert Cummings, II: Papa

Marie Sardelli: Christine

Susie Sabala: Dagmar

Bobby Pillitiere: Nels/Mr. Thorkelson

Heidi Harper: Aunt Trina

Laura Yarbrough: Aunt Sigrid

Gwen Wooldridge: Aunt Jenny

Gino England: Mr. Hyde

Jay XuDan: Dr. Chan

Courtney Knapp: Jessie

A Golden West College Theatre Department production. Written by John Van Druten, adapted by Charles Mitchell. Directed by Stewart E. Rogers. Set: Gino England. Lights: Kirk Brown. Stage manager: Jennifer Siegert.