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By Peter Kougias
Hometown Weekly Intern
On May 31, the Walpole Public Library presented a performance of the play “iloveyouiloveyouiloveyoutoo.” Written and directed by Alan O’Hare, the story follows Edmund (Terry Blanchard) and Marian (Barbara Bourgeois) a couple who present their life story while suffering with Alzheimer's.
Before the performance, O’Hare presented the eager audience to his play. In the small room, the audience was lifted into a world that was extremely realistic. For a 40 minute show, the play ran smoothly and kept everybody interested and involved. The performances were moving and believable. The play’s structure of Blanchard reading from a book was comparable to hearing a sweet bedtime story. The actor’s were further accompanied by the talented Mark Lipman, who orchestrated the performance with his guitar and soothing voice.
After a long and warm applause at the end of the show, O’Hare greeted the audience again and led a discussion. Nothing but positive comments and feedback were given to O’Hare, Blanchard, Bourgeois, and Lipman. Walpole local, Danni D’Attillio, praised Bourgeois’ performance as Marion and how realistic it was. Most mentioned their own experiences with Alzheimer's and thanked the cast and crew for shining a confident light on the subject.
O’Hare drew inspiration from visiting a nursing home and listening to all the residents’ stories intertwine. “It was such a profound experience and it made me sensitive to what it must be like to family members,” he said.
O’Hare was very happy about the praise the performances received. He also mentioned that Bourgeois has starred in every single one of his plays.
“Iloveyouiloveyouiloveyoutoo” is streaming online and can be seen by visiting http://goo.gl/qMzVcN. The show is worth a watch.
The simple story structure is amplified by powerful performances and strong writing.
Walking out into the parking lot, many were still talking about the play as they drove into the night.
