Karen Zacarías Explores How Books Expand Our Lives

by Mary Lou Herlihy

Fill your glass, take a seat, open to Chapter 13, and enjoy a juicy discussion about this week’s book selection. Ross Valley Players’ lively “Book Club Play” captures the joy of reading and sharing books, while leading us brilliantly into questioning our own ideas about culture and literature.

In the comfortable living room of Ana (luminous Elena Wright), a 30-something over-achiever, and her agreeable husband Rob (engaging Mark Vashro), we ‘meet’ the newest book club guest, the CAMERA. Its constant whir reminds club members that a famed filmmaker is recording them and their every word.

When Ana instructs them not to look at the camera, they sneak furtive, comical, glances our way. Ana extols the “opportunities” this new attention could provide. Witty Jen (playful Jannely Calmell) quips, “Why does Book Club need OPPORTUNITIES?” Although Jen hates being recorded and threatens to quit, she really wants to discuss her chosen book.

Zacarías reminds us that the printed word can elicit deep feelings. Non-reader Rob finally decides to READ Edith Wharton’s The Age of Innocence, triggering a violent reaction. He falls to the floor, writhing in pain! They all rush to his aid in a hilarious, climactic scramble, as the camera captures it all.

During a discussion of Moby Dick, Lily (delightful Chiyako Nelson), never one to hold back, mentions Melville’s homoerotic overtones. Will (superb Matthew Travisano) vehemently disagrees and becomes visibly uncomfortable. We can’t wait to find out what the next book reveals.

When the idea of best sellers comes up, Anna calls popular novels “trivial”; but they agree to read Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight, at Lily’s suggestion.

But Jen has invited neighbor Alex (hilarious Gabriel A. Ross) who fills the room with passionate energy. Ross energizes the stage and the other actors with his fast talking, mischievous Alex. He’s a literature teacher, dresses like a teenager, and takes great delight in Twilight. “Did it make you tingle?” Alex asks. Ana and Will are repulsed by his crass directness. Lily and Jen are thrilled at the confrontation between pop culture and high end lit.

Director Mary Ann Rodgers shapes the talented cast into a believable, close-knit group, bursting with witty dialogue. Their natural movements and interactions suggest years of familiarity.

During quick costume changes, we meet a series of engaging and funny characters who describe how books bring meaning to their lives. All four are played with whimsical flair by Marsha van Broek as the on-screen “Pundit.” She plays a prison guard who trade stories for cigarettes and a Walmart worker who confesses his favorite book is Lolita.

Ultimately, Ana decides to transform truth into fiction. She begins to write her own story, called, of course, “Book Club.” “The Book Club Play” is a joyful love letter to stories and to the process of creating fiction. Zacarías’ comedy makes us want to connect with friends who love talking about must-read books, must-see shows, AND life in all its rich complexities. What could be more inspiring?

“The Book Club Play” by Karen Zacarías, directed by Mary Ann Rodgers, set by Ron Krempetz, costumes by Valera Coble, sound by Billie Cox, lighting by Ellen Brooks, at Ross Valley Players, Ross, California. Info: rossvalleyplayers.com – to June 9, 2024.

Cast: Elena Wright, Mark Vashro, Matthew Travisano, Jannely Calmell, Chiyako Nelson, Gabriel A. Ross, and Marsha van Broek.

Banner photo: Elena Wright (Ana) & Chiyako Nelson (Lily). Photos: Robin Jackson