The Berkeley Repertory Theatre is currently showcasing the powerful dynamics of family relationships in its latest production, “The Hills of California,” written by acclaimed playwright Jez Butterworth. The play runs until December 7, 2023, and delves into the complexities of motherhood and sisterhood against the backdrop of the music industry.
Set during the 1970s, the narrative revolves around the character of Veronica Webb, a stern matriarch with a vision for her four daughters to achieve fame reminiscent of the legendary Andrews Sisters. Known for their hits like “Beer Barrel Polka” and “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” the Andrews Sisters captured America’s hearts during World War II. Veronica sees them as a blueprint for success, yet her ambition has left emotional scars on her daughters.
As the play unfolds, the sisters reunite at their family home in Blackpool as their mother approaches death. This reunion brings to light long-buried wounds and forces each daughter to confront her own life choices. Director Loretta Greco, the eldest of five sisters, draws from her personal experiences to navigate the intricacies of family dynamics and the impact of a parent’s legacy.
“It was interesting to me how slippery the truth is and how one person’s trauma can be carried by another,” Greco remarked, highlighting the play’s exploration of truth and memory. She noted that the character of Veronica is multifaceted, embodying both ambition and maternal care. “She’s not just ambitious, but is also trying to be a great mom and do right by her girls,” Greco explained.
Allison Jean White portrays both Veronica and her estranged daughter Joan, who returns home after establishing a recording career in the United States. For White, returning to the Bay Area to perform in this production is a significant homecoming. She grew up in Menlo Park and attended graduate school at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco.
“I knew she was a mom of a daughter, but learning she was one of five sisters was really cool,” White said, referring to Greco’s background and its influence on the production. “It is wonderful to know the director herself had personally lived those relationships, another reason to easily trust her vision and exploration of the text.”
White elaborated on the challenge of portraying two distinct characters across different time periods. “I have everything to help me make the characters different inside the different time periods,” she shared, adding that she enjoys the creative challenge of using various wigs, costumes, and accents to differentiate between the roles.
Greco’s tenure at the Magic Theatre has left a lasting impact on her direction of this play, particularly in drawing parallels between Butterworth’s work and that of influential playwrights like Sam Shepard. “Jez’s writing is so muscular and delicious,” Greco stated, noting the unique focus on female experiences in “The Hills of California.”
The production is not only a showcase of Butterworth’s skillful storytelling but also a poignant exploration of the complexities of family relationships and the legacies that parents leave behind. With a cast that brings depth and authenticity to their roles, the play is set to resonate with audiences, reflecting both the joys and struggles inherent in familial bonds.
As the theatre continues to engage with contemporary narratives, “The Hills of California” offers a compelling look at the intersection of ambition, love, and the intricate ties that bind family members together. For those in the area, this production promises to be a thought-provoking experience that lingers long after the final curtain.