Curtains Up Theater Review . . . by Camille Bounds: TheaterWorks Silicon Valley’s ‘Nan and the Lower Body’
Complex story made easily understandable with humor and sensitivity
Ted (Jeffrey Brian Adams) makes overtures to wife Nan (Elissa Beth Stebbins) in the World Premiere of “Nan and the Lower Body,” presented by TheatreWorks Silicon Valley July 13 – August 7. Photo Credit: Alessandra Mello
By Camille Bounds
Camille Bounds
Nan (Elissa Beth Stebbins) examines a slide as Dr. Papanicolaou (Christopher Daftsios) watches. Photo Credit: Alessandra Mello
“Nan and the Lower Body” follows the work of Dr, Papanicolaou (a superb Christopher Daftsids) and his assistant Nan Day (equally superb Elissa Beth Stebbins) who are known for creating the life saving Pap smear that is used to detect cervical cancer along with other female problems. No doubt it’s an odd subject for a stage play. But the story is explained and brought to the forefront of the plot and made easily understandable with humor and sensitivity.
An audience favorite at TheatreWorks’ 2019 New Works Festival, the show is engaging in revealing the human aspect of medical research by exploring the mysteries of the heart and providing a personal perspective to the revolutionary technology that has saved the lives of millions. When Pap smear inventor Dr. George Papanicolaou takes on a brilliant new assistant, Nan Day, he senses that she is hiding a secret. As Dr. Pap discovers the truth, he learns that he may hold the key to solving her greatest mystery.
The complicated disease is very clearly presented by fine writer Jessica Dickey. This is a bright, fresh production with an excellent cast that attempts to breathe life into very personal, almost real life moments for each character involved. Lisa Ramirez as Dr. Pap’s wife and Jeffrey Brian Adams as “Ted,” Nan’s husband, are strong additions to the play. This is an excellent production with a creme de la creme cast that can hold its own on any stage.
Recipient of many theater awards, Glovanna Sardelli’s well controlled direction gives this production a clear understanding of a complex subject. Aptly staged by award-winning Nina Bell, the show brings some of the best scenery development ever produced. If you enjoy extraordinarily good drama “Nan and the Lower Body” is a frank and funny play that should definitely be on your theater-watching schedule.
Nan and the Lower Body
World Premiere by Jessica Dickey-produced by Theatre Works Silicon Valley
Where: Lucy Stern Theatre:1305 Middlefield Road in Palo Alto
Running Time 90 minutes with no intermission
Through: Aug 7
Health and Safety: Proof Of vaccination is required and masks must be worn in the theatre
Tickets: $30-$95
For reservations and information call: 877-662-8978 or visit theatreworks.org