Review: Elegiac 'The Father' Strikes a Poignant Note at Wilbury Theatre Group

Donelly's talent is to allow us to be amused when Andre obsesses over his watch and to feel sympathy when he can't get a handle on his own reality. Andre becomes downright hostile sometimes, yet we can still sympathize with him. It's a tricky balance that Donelly gets just right.

Director Josh Short ("Once") masterfully stages the action, using Monica Shinn's spare but elegant set design to show us the pain of a man losing his mind. The performances of Kane, McCauley, Tanya Anderson Martin (as a nurse) and Jeff Ararat (in multiple roles including Pierre) are all solid.

Anyone who has ever had a friend or family member with Alzheimer's disease will find plenty of reason to identify with Andre. When our memories fail us, we lose ourselves. It's a terrifying proposition, and "The Father" captures that sense of unease and sadness perfectly.

All in all, another strong production from Wilbury Theatre Group.

"The Father" runs through February 9 at Wilbury Theatre Group, 475 Valley Street, Waterfire Arts Center, Providence, RI. Run time is 80 minutes with no intermission. For tickets, call 401- 400-7100 or visit thewilburygroup.org.