ASHES TO ASHES by Carol Kaufman Segal

             Ashes to Ashes is a visiting production at the Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles.  Written by Debbie Boulton and directed by Katherine James, it is described as a “screwball” comedy.

            Ashes to Ashes revolves around Sarah (Lena Bouton) and Jefferson (Kevin Young) who once had a close relationship.  But due to their very different philosophies, he very conservative and she very liberal, their relationship ended.  Their very close and wealthy friends, Kate and Wilson, both died leaving Sara and Jefferson the heirs to their riches in their rather strange will.  The will provided specific conditions that the two of them would have to abide by in order to receive the money.

            Sarah and Jefferson were required to spend the next 16 days, 21 hours, and 32 minutes together traveling from Ireland, Spain, France, Scotland, Wales, and Venice executing various difficult tasks as they scatter their friends’ ashes in each of these locations.  It was obvious that this maneuver was planned to get the couple back together again.

            As Sara and Jefferson pursued their objectives, I found neither of these two characters particularly likeable nor did I care if they resumed their relationship or not.  The running back and forth all around the stage, supposedly going to each of their destinations and fulfilling their quests, were hectic and uninteresting. 

            The only character that I looked forward to seeing in any of the scenes in this production was Michael Uribes who showed up in every “country” along the way portraying various characters that correspond to the locations. His performances were comical without being slapstick.  This was comic relief for an otherwise insipid play.

            The Odyssey Theatre is located at 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles.  For further information call (310) 564-9410, or go online at www.AshesToAshesThePlay.com