Marblehead Little Theatre will open its production of “The Mother of the Maid” this Friday night at 7 p.m. The play, written by Jane Anderson, tells the story of Joan of Arc through the perspective of her mother, Isabelle, and explores familial relationships through realistic humor and remarkable moments in the lives of ordinary women. “The Mother of the Maid” will run for two weekends, April 5-14, and tickets are available at mltlive.org.
Director Hannah Schuurman is especially excited to share this story, and incredibly proud of what the production has become. “The Mother of the Maid” is the first MLT show that Schuurman has directed, though she has been involved with the theater before. Schuurman talked to the Current just before tech week, describing how the atmosphere of anticipation was really “reinvigorating the sense of excitement for the show” amongst the actors.
“We’re really seeing all the pieces come together,” she said. Producer Elaine Leahy commented, “It’s really exciting to see this script come alive.”
Originally performed off-Broadway in 2015, this fresh twist to the classic Joan of Arc story adds a layered family perspective. Isabelle’s struggle to see her child make her own decisions and go out into the world is a deeply relatable issue, and the mother-daughter dynamics shown in the play are timeless.
“I would really like every parent in the audience to reflect on their own parenting and their fears for their children as they grow up and go into the world,” said Schuurman, “and for every child to think about what their parents go through.”
The cast of nine has been rehearsing for for about a month and a half. According to Schuurman, the actors have been active in learning about their roles and the time period of the show.
“One of my favorite parts is coming into rehearsals and seeing who has that new bit of information,” she remarked. “I’ve been so impressed with the production staff, the costumes and the prop designers,” added Leahy.
Laura Dillan’s costume design and Lynn Birch’s props are a point of pride for both Schuurman and Leahy, who have been impressed by how immersed the cast and crew have become in the world of the characters.
Although the play is historically based, Leahy thinks that the show appeals to a much broader audience than only those interested in the story of Joan of Arc.
“Even if you’re not a history buff, give the show a try,” she encouraged. “I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.”
