Having its world premiere at the South Coast Repertory, Noa Gardner‘s The Staircase is a deeply personal play that brings Hawaiian identity and folklore to the spotlight. Directed by Gaye Taylor Upchurch, the music, folklore storytelling, and its message are wonderfully integrated with the efforts for authentic Hawaiian representation realized to full effect.
Though its intense slow burn approach seriously hampers the pace of the play, this is a commendable first professional production for Gardner and a fantastic way to launch this young playwright’s career.
Mother and Son spend their evenings playing cards and retelling stories of Hawaiian legend. Better those than their own, which lurk below the surface. When Son’s former sweetheart resurfaces, both he and Mother must choose how they will embrace the future. A mysterious tale about holding on, letting go and the curious force that pulls us back home.
Photo by Robert Huskey
The greatest achievement of The Staircase is the length to find Hawaiian talent, to the point that South Coast Repertory traveled to Hawaii to audition and cast well-respected Hawaiian actors who are recognized throughout Hawaii. Nara Cardenas, Wil Kahele, and Ehulani Hope Kāne brings authentic representation and gives Gardner’s story the respective weight with Kainui Blaze Whiting providing a live gorgeous soundtrack throughout the entire play.
Photo by Robert Huskey
I’ll get right to the biggest issue with the production and that the play’s extremely slow burn approach in the mother and son telling Hawaiian folklore stories to each other does not have a significant pay-off in terms of plot. While the play picks up considerably with the arrival of Ben Cain‘s Father character (who is absolutely fantastic and brings a much needed jolt to the play), the pickup happens far too late in the run time and even so, the play neglects the domestic abuse part of the history that the father reveals to the audience. The rest of the cast are fine but their measured and naturalized acting does not lift the already gentle nature of the playwright’s words that when combined together, it can create a rather too chill atmosphere that struggles to find its peaks and valleys.
Photo by Robert Huskey
Though I can’t find myself necessarily recommending this play to others, there is a considerable achievement and value to be found here, from this being Noa Gardner‘s first professional production as as playwright, the authentic Hawaiian representation on stage, and a considerable raised effort from South Coast Repertory bringing more diverse stories to their audiences.
Previews: Apr. 27 – May 1, 2025
First Night: May 2, 2025
Regular Performances: May 3-18, 2025
American Sign Language Performance: Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 2 p.m
Recommendation: Ages 14+
Running Time: Approximately 100 minutes with no intermission.
Post-Show Discussions:
* Actor Conversations with members of the cast: Sunday, May 4, Wednesday, May 7, and Friday, May 16.
* Community Conversation, a presentation and discussion surrounding a theme specific to The Staircase: Sunday, May 11.
Inside the Season: Saturday, May 10, from 10:30 a.m.-noon. Led by members of SCR’s literary staff, this lively 90-minute session includes in-depth interviews with cast members and artists from the production staff, revealing secrets and offering insights into The Staircase. Tickets are $14 and may be purchased in advance or at the door.
ASL Interpreted Performance: Saturday, May 17 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are now on sale and range in price from $35 to $114, with additional discounts available for educators, seniors and students. Tickets may be purchased online at www.scr.org or by phone at (714) 708-5555. More information is available at www.scr.org.
