by Jason Odell Williams Hebrew translation by Charlotte Cohn
Regional Premiere at Stage West Theatre
December 2022
What the Critics Said
Read OnstageNTX Review.
“Stage West’s pitch-perfect regional premiere of Handle With Care is a tender and moving addition to the usual holiday fare. It’s funny, sweet, mysterious—and somehow utterly satisfying.”
“A fine cast of four, directed by New York-based Illana Stein (who directed and co-wrote Amphibian Stage’s compelling Hans & Sophie), create vivid characters who catch at our hearts, make us laugh, and get us hoping for them all—even the annoying screw-up.”
“Handle With Care leaves a warm glow even after the stage lights disappear; you’ll be feeling it as you walk out the door. In fact, I’m already in the mood to come back and see it again…”
Eventually wanted to look for more photos but putting this on the backburner. If you wanted to add snow to the first photo and maybe the last I’d take it, happy to pay a little extra for this edit.
From the Director
During a crucial scene in the play, Edna tries to convince her granddaughter Ayelet to join her on a trip of a lifetime, a road trip across America for just the two of them. Handle with Care is aplay about twists and turns that lead us just where we were meant to be. In the Jewish culture the idea of Bashert is a very common belief. In Yiddish, Bashert means “destiny.” It is more commonly referenced when referring to looking for your soulmate or “finding your bashert.” In Handle with Care, it is Terrence who offers the advice, “Perhaps people can have two soulmates.” This theme is the heart of Williams’ play and it is fitting thatone of the original titles in the running for this play was Bashert. The idea of soulmates is a complex one but to believe in that notion, perhaps is about putting your faith into something else driving or guiding your life. In this play, there are lessons about love, loss, connection, and faith.Whether it is kismet, fate, or a little holiday magic, this play teaches us that true connection can supersede any language barriers. And then it takes trust. Enjoy the plays journey and after watching it, there is an open invitation to go home, hug your loved ones, make that long distance phone call, or even take that trip you’ve been putting off, because time is precious and as Edna reminds us, “just keep the wheel straight” and the rest will take you where you need to be.
Director
ILLANA STEIN
Production Stage Manager
KAITLIN HATTON
Set Design
CLARE FLOYD DEVRIES
Lighting Design
JARED LAND
Costume Design
LAURIE LAND
Sound Design
JORGE GUERRA
Props/Set Decor
LYNN LOVETT
Assistant Stage Manager