ITAC - World War II ended in 1945, over 60 years ago. Those who lived through it won't be around in another twenty years. That is why it's important that shows like From the Homefront by Thomas P. Johnson exist. The Iowa Theatre Artists Company's production takes us back to the homefront of the war, as two couples deal with the worries and difficulties of living during a world war. In the first of two short
plays, the wives discuss what is like to be the mother of a son overseas. During World War II, mothers that had a son serving overseas would sew a blue star and hang it in their front window, hence the title of this piece, Blue Star Mother. Paula Grady plays Maggie, the mother of three sons who are fighting in the war. Her neighbor, Charlotte, played by Meg Merckens, comes over and they discuss how one deals with not knowing the fate of her sons. Johnson's script includes a lot of humor which both actresses deliver with perfect timing and wit, particularly Merckens who has a real flair for comedic moments. Grady has the more challenging and emotional role and she does an excellent job of allowing the audience to feel the pain that comes with not knowing where one's children are. The details of the show were wonderful, from the very believable set to the period costumes the women wore. While the emotional pay off in this script isn't quite as intense as the second show, it's still a moving piece that offers a glimpse of life for mothers during the second World War. The second act of From the Homefront, called Victory Garden, gives us the men's perspective as the husbands of the wives in first act delve into deep issues of duty and honor and the importance of childhood. Harvey, played by Tom Swenson, comes to his neighbor Roy's home to ask his opinion of letting his teenage son enter the armed forces early. Roy, played by Robert Gardner, has three sons overseas already and has a less idealized idea of what it means to serve. Harv, so earnest in his belief that allowing his son to go to war early would be the honorable thing to do, has to contend with Roy's more realistic assessment. Both actors handle their roles expertly and the contrast between the two is fun to watch.
Johnson's script offers a very true picture of the men of that time. These days
fathers in the same situation would be more open about their feelings. In contrast, Roy never once says he is worried about his sons, but we understand his fear from the words he does use and the way he makes sure Harv understand the realities of serving and the importance of a full childhood for their sons. This window into a different time really demonstrates how much men, in particular, have changed in the way they communicate with each other. However, as much as things have changed in the way we talk, the feelings that drive the words are universal. I am sure those parents of men and women serving overseas today wrestle with the same feelings the real life counterparts of Roy, Harv, Maggie and Charlotte did so many years ago. It's important that we remember that time and the men and women who lived through it. This show is an excellent opportunity to do that. ITAC offers us another chance to get a picture of that time period as after every show, they ask the audience to stick around and share their stories of World War II. Veterans of World War II get in for free if the reserve ahead of time, which ensures that a good group will be in attendance. At the performance I attended, the stories offered were wonderful and I only wished it would have gone longer. The lovely 84-year-old woman sitting next to me asked me what I knew of World War II. My reply was that I only knew what I learned in school as no one in my family had served. She was clearly disappointed in my answer, but hopefully she gave me a few points for coming to the show. I certainly appreciated hearing her stories of that time. And I'm sure you will enjoy a trip back in time as well, if you check out From the Homefront, now playing until November 15. Go here for more information.
Matthew has a Bachelor's degree in English from the University of Iowa. He has directed, acted in, and produced theater in the Iowa City area for over ten years. He has worked with the Iowa City Community Theatre, City Circle and Dreamwell, of which he is a founder. Two of his plays have been produced in the Iowa City area. In another brief life, he also worked as a technical writer.
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