CHASING MEM’RIES:  A Different Kind of Musical by Carol Kaufman Segal

            Chasing Mem’ries:  A Different Kind of Musical is making its world premiere at the Geffen Playhouse.  Though it features new and original songs by award-winning lyricists, Alan and Marilyn Bergman, it is not a musical, not even a different kind of musical, but a play with music.

            The play, written and directed by Josh Ravetch, focuses on Victoria (Tony and Emmy Award winner Tyne Daly) a woman struggling with her life following the loss of her husband.  We find her in the attic of her home, going through her memoirs, wondering how she will continue on and survive without her husband.  Meanwhile, friends and family have gathered on the lawn of her Connecticut home to honor and memorialize her husband.  But Victoria is unable to join them.

            As Victoria reminisces, she plays some of the music on a record player that sits in a corner of the attic, bringing back memories of the past.  Her son, Mason (Scott Kradolfer), meets her in the attic and tries to convince her to join her friends and family and to try to accept what life has wrought.  Left alone in the attic, again, Victoria imagines a conversation with Franklin (Robert Forster).   

            Unfortunately, the play is overburdened with sentimentality.  Fortunately, Tyne Daly is the gem who gives audiences the moments to enjoy through her talent that she brings to the role of Victoria.  Even though her singing is not what some might expect, it is perfect for the role (and mood) that she is playing.  Though Chasing Mem’ries did not turn out to be what I had hoped for, there were moments in the play that were very emotional, not only for me, but I noticed others in the audience experiencing the same reactions that I had.

            Chasing Mem’ries:  A Different Kind of Musical plays Tuesdays through Fridays at 8 M, Saturdays at 3 PM and 8 PM, and Sundays at 2 PM and 7 PM, through December 17, at the Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte, Ave., Los Angeles.  Tickets are available at the Playhouse Box Office, by phone at (310) 208-5454, or online at www.geffenplayhouse.org.  (Fees may apply)