Central thespians 'Remember Mama'

Central High School continues to show what a talented and dedicated group of students it has with the school's latest theatrical production, "I Remember Mama," directed by Cynthia Bradshaw.

Since its premiere in the 1940s, the play, loosely based on Kathryn Forbes' book "Mama's Bank Account," has also been turned into a movie and television show.

The play focuses on the Hansens, a family of Norwegian immigrants living in San Francisco in the early 1900s.

It is told through the recollections of eldest daughter Katrin Hansen, played by Sarah Goeke, who is looking back at a period that led to her becoming a writer.

Within the Hansen family is the animal-loving youngest daughter, Dagmar (Taylor McMillan); the only son, Nels (John Kipper); the stoic father (Drew Lincoln); aunts Trina (Beth Gile), Sigrid (Murielle Wyman) and Jenny (Kasper Woldtvedt); and the disreputable (in the minds of some) Uncle Chris (Malcolm Boyce).

At the heart of the Hansens, however, is the mother, played by Catherine Moreton, keeps the family together with a mixture of toughness and warmth.

Goeke, who also had the lead in the school's spring production of "South Pacific," is perfect as Katrin. Not only does she look believable in the role with her coloring, but her performance is so natural, never appearing wooden.

Another familiar face from "South Pacific" is Moreton, who does an admirable job of portraying the important role of Mama. She adds a good amount of warmth to the role, which is needed to see why the character is so important to this family.

Providing some comic relief are the aunts, who seem to share none of Mama's winning characteristics. The three actresses who portray the aunts manage to bring the right amount of humor to the roles.

Also appearing in the play is Phil Bortherton as Mr. Hyde, Jennifer Kaesheimer as Jessie, Mason Loy as Mr. Thorkelson, Cole Buerkle as Dr. Johnson, Clayton Hill as Arne, Paige Pritchard as Madeline, Lorrin Lynn and Megan Green as nurses, Nick Davey as a bell boy and a very agreeable Tabitha McMillan as the cat, Uncle Elizabeth.

kalfisi@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 182

WANT TO GO?

What: Central High School's production of "I Remember Mama"

When: 7:30 p.m. today through Saturday

Where: Central Junior High School auditorium