Steve Carrasco and Natasha Murray in "Intimate Apparel"

Photos by John Daggett

By Cheryl Thornburg

Carlo Campbell and Natasha Murray

The close quarters of Steel River Playhouse’s Newberry Loft is the perfect place to stage Lynn  Nottage’s award-winning play “Intimate Apparel.”  With the actors just a few feet from the audience, there is an uncanny sense of reality that develops.  I can honestly say I have never cared about characters as quickly as I did with this play. That is a tribute to an outstanding cast and the talented direction of Alana Campbell.

“Intimate Apparel” is set in New York City circa 1905. The story centers around Esther Mills, a 35-year-old African-American woman who is still single.  She makes a living as a seamstress creating fine undergarments for the well-to-do ladies of the city.

Natasha Murray plays Esther with such subtle skill that you are drawn into her world and want to befriend this serious, hard-working, but lonely woman. Her interaction with the other characters is what makes this play so compelling.

The relationships ring true, whether with her wealthy client, her landlady, a Jewish merchant, her friend who is both a pianist and a prostitute or the man that she meets through correspondence.

Each of these relationships adds dimension and depth to the story.

Carlo Campbell plays George Armstrong, the young man from Barbados helping to dig the Panama Canal who starts writing to Esther and eventually comes to New York. Carlo brings an easy charm and sexuality to his George, who seems to be as hard-working as Esther and they seem to be a perfect match. Once in New York, we see a different side to George and Carlo skillfully reveals his darker side without turning him into a stereotypical villain. He’s just human with dreams and flaws like all of the characters in this play.

Steve Carrasco and Natasha Murray in "Intimate Apparel"

In contrast to George’s outgoing swagger is the shy and religious demeanor of Mr. Marks, the Jewish merchant who sells fine fabrics to Esther. Steve Carrasco delivers a finely nuanced performance using facial expressions and body language to create some of the most intimate and memorable scenes from the show. The interaction between the merchant and the seamstress as they discuss fine silks and satins has such passionate undertones that it is palpable, but In 1905 developing an actual relationship was unthinkable.

Monique Mosee and Natasha Murray

Another unlikely relationship is the friendship between the church-going Esther and Mayme, a talented pianist and singer, who makes a living as a prostitute. Monique Mosee brings sass and sincerity to this role making the bond between the two women totally believable.

Carly Fried, who has appeared in numerous Steel River productions, turns her talents to creating a complex Mrs. Van Buren, a wealthy young woman who befriends Esther and helps her write letters to George because Esther cannot read or write. Again the connection between to two seems real – a credit to both actresses.

Carly Fried and Natasha Murray

The last interesting relationship is between Esther and her landlady Mrs. Dickson, the widow who owns the boardinghouse. The two have known each other since Esther came to New York from the South many years before. Faye Wooten’s Mrs. Dickson is  warm, almost motherly, as she encourages and supports Esther – while also dishing out advice that Esther doesn’t always heed. The relationship adds yet another dimension to the portrait of Esther and life circa 1905.

 Natasha Murray and Faye O. Wooten

This is a play that will make you think, analyze relationships and cheer for the characters. Even though the setting is 100+ years old, the people and situations will seem familiar and relevant today.

Nottage’s script touches on race, religion, gender issues and the struggle to get ahead in tough economic times.

Alana Campbell’s skillful direction and astute choice of actors has turned “Intimate Apparel” into a memorable theater experience.

“Intimate Apparel” continues Friday Feb. 8  and Saturday Feb. 9 at 8 p.m. and Sunday Feb. 10 at 3 p.m. at Steel River Playhouse, 245 E. High St., Pottstown. Tickets are $19 for adults, $17 for seniors (65+) and $15 for students/children. There is a $3 discount per ticket for groups of 10 or more.

Tickets are available online at www/steelriver.org or by calling 610-970-1199.