I hope you’ll forgive the double-entendre above, but, since it encapsulates both groundbreaking styles of 19th Century impressionist Mary Cassatt, as well as the genre-bending playwriting by Arden Teresa Lewis, I couldn’t resist. Part of Theatre Forty’s celebrated “Playwrights-in-Residence” series, Lewis’s work could just as easily be a film — or even a mini-series.
The Impressionist artist, Mary Cassatt (played here by Samantha Gregory), is notable for centering much of her work on the domestic life of women in the late 19th century, at a time when the male gaze held sway. But even more, she made an independent move to travel to Paris, becoming part of la belle epoque alongside the likes of artists Monet and Degas. Playwright Lewis takes the key events of her life, scene by scene, building on Cassatt’s reputation as it grew. For me, the most revealing part of Cassatt’s journey depicts her comradeship with fellow artist, Eliza Halderman (Briana Burnside), and the disappointment she felt when Eliza opts for marriage instead of adventure.
Also directed by Lewis, the large cast takes on a number of roles to depict this exciting time in Parisian society, augmented by a generous succession of paintings and other graphics to help transfer the action from Philadelphia, Cassatt’s hometown, to Paris. As always, it takes a corps of Theatre Forty’s top designers to build the show. Jeff G. Rack pulls it all together, while providing the flexible set, embedded with a suitable screen for Gabrieal Griego’s projections. There’s even a shadow puppet show, designed by Lighting Designer Charlie Mount, with Arden Lewis. The play also features voice-overs, produced by Kimberly Woods and Andrew Jordan, not to mention the scrumptious period costuming by Salette Corpuz.
To my mind, Arden Lewis says it best in her Director’s note: “If we can inspire a person to pick up a book or read an article about Impressionism …. Then we have reached out goal”. Because of this production, I have now done both. And, Cassatt’s work is on view locally at the Huntington Museum as well. Welcome to the journey!
Cassatt continues at Theatre West, 3333 Cahuenga Blvd. West, Los Angeles, 90068, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, and Sundays at 3 pm through June 28th, 2026. Tickets, $30 online; $40 at the door. For information, call (323) 851-4839,with online ticketing: https://eventbrite.com/e/casssatt-tickets-1984650603380.
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