By Natalie Davies
The world premiere of “What Springs Forth” by Carey Crim and directed by Kate Thomsen is a comedic, heartfelt and modern show about what it means to be a woman that’s written, directed, designed and acted entirely by women. The characters fill a girls trip with depth and comedic relief. The show quickly draws viewers in with thrilling turns every time you think you can predict what’s next. “What Springs Forth” inspires viewers to self reflect and live with an open mind.
The show starts with two friends who met in college (Robyn and Sallie Ben) headed on a road trip to visit their friend Emma. Emma is a dreamer with a big heart but is susceptible to scams and trying to find work in the field of “the next big thing.” Robyn and Sallie think they are headed to a trial run of Emma’s latest career fad– a spa– but soon figure out what Emma and her new business partner Malou have in store is not what they expected.
Malou and Emma challenge Robyn, a boy mom Michigander with a tendency to work herself into the ground, and Sallie Ben, a mom, wife, former business owner and proud Southerner, to a cleansing self rebirth. Dwandra Nickole (Robyn), Suiz Regan (Malou), Sarab Kamoo (Emma) and Sonja Marquis (Sallie Ben) challenge viewers to dig into the uncomfortable with their portrayals of characters who learn to embrace awkward situations and changes in plans.
Middle and older women will probably enjoy and connect with the play most, but a packed opening-night crowd of all adult ages and genders found something to laugh about and connect with on June 28. I am 20 years old, and seeing “What Springs Forth” was my first time at The Purple Rose. The play was well written, set up, directed and performed, and it was a great first experience. I recommend it to any level of theater-goer looking to laugh and feel.
Regular performances of “What Springs Forth” are Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m., with Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday matinees at 3 p.m., and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. The show will run until Aug. 31. Tickets are available for purchase at www.purplerosetheatre.org.
