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If Carole Davis isn’t the real Mattie Rigsbee, then she doesn’t exist.
Davis is simply perfect for the lead role in “Walking Across Egypt,” a Piedmont Players world premiere.
Director Reid Leonard and others (some of whom are in the cast) adapted the play from Clyde Edgerton’s novel of the same name, and Edgerton came to opening night and declared the production “wonderful.”
The play is really the book come to life, with some characters narrating parts of the story, in addition to acting it, and the casting is excellent.
Davis is so natural on stage — and she’s on there the entire night — that she brings the whole show to life. She never strikes a false or contrived note.
Also excellent is Eric Taylor as the juvenile delinquent, Wesley. Mattie sees him as a “least of these,” like Matthew says in the Bible, and sets out to help him.
Taylor makes Wesley likeable and still gets across his out-of-control nature.
Lori Van Wallendael is very funny as nosy, gun-toting neighbor Alora, with ample help from Douglas T. “Todd” Paris as her husband, Finner. The couple typify the sort of neighbors you like and dread at the same time.
Christopher Hutson as Mattie’s son, Robert, strikes just the right note as the son who can’t quite cut the apron strings but doesn’t want Mama on his case all the time.
Mattie’s daughter, Elaine, is played by veteran Tammie Casper, who comes across as the rebellious, feminist woman Mama just can’t make out. What they need, Mattie says, is husbands and wives.
Martha Walker Hutson is perfectly charming as Pearl, Mattie’s sister. Watching the two of them together is a treat.
The action starts when a little dog shows up at Mattie’s door and she calls the dog catcher, played by Andrew Fowler.
Fowler is right on target as Lamar Benfield, handyman and uncle to Wesley. He’s that country boy just trying to get along in this world. You can understand why Mattie brings him into her fold after he rescues her from the rocking chair.
That scene may be the funniest in the play, but there are plenty of subtle moments and big laughs to fill the evening. It’s a gentle story, well told, filled with interesting people.
Supporting players are just that, supporting, well-chosen and a pleasure to watch.
A simple, effective set has that homey feeling so necessary to the play.
The story isn’t complicated. Mattie’s a strong woman with a big heart who loves nothing more than cooking and going to church. She’s smart and capable, though “she’s been going down some.”
Her family is supportive, but doesn’t really understand her, and is shocked when she takes Wesley in after he just shows up at her door.
And ultimately, everything hinges on the young man, who Mattie recognizes as a child who was never loved.
The interplay between actors works well to set the tone. You know Mattie will win out, despite what her family thinks and what the folks at church say and do.
It’s an enjoyable evening, with the play running just over two hours. And very much like reading a book and getting to know the characters. Afterwards, you’ll feel like you’ve known those folks all along.
The play, produced with Piedmont Eye Physicians & Surgeons, continues tonight and Saturday and April 4-7 at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday matinee at 2:30 p.m. For tickets, call 704-633-5471.
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