Somewhat Predictable “Red Jasper” at the Gaslight Features Strong Cast, Memorable Characters

Red Jasper
by Michael Madden
Directed by Suki Peters
Michael Madden Productions
October 6, 2024

Playwright Michael Madden has brought his play, Red Jasper, to St. Louis, where he grew up, featuring a local cast and crew and performing at the Gaslight Theater. This is a local premiere, although the show has been staged before in California and Illinois. It’s essentially a dramedy with some traditional “rom-com” movie trappings, although the subjects being covered are serious. It’s a promising show, although some of its elements are predictable and have been done before. Its biggest strength is in its characters, and especially in its excellent cast.

The story takes place mostly at a hospital’s infusion center, where Isadora or “Izzy” (Nancy Nigh) is receiving chemotherapy treatments for her breast cancer, which has recently returned after a two year remission. There, she shares her life philosophies with Abby (Carmen Garcia), the nurse, and meets recently widowed fellow patient Tom (Ben Ritchie), who is also receiving treatments for an undisclosed condition, although it’s made fairly clear that he doesn’t have cancer. The two form an attraction, although Izzy is initially put off by the hostile attitude of Tom’s daughter Samantha (Rhiannon Creighton), who is obviously angry at her father for some reason. Izzy investigates, but her perceptions of Tom seem to fluctuate. as their relationship haltingly builds. Meanwhile, both Izzy and Tom struggle in their relationships with their adult children, as we find out what Sam is upset about, and Izzy deals with the neglect of her career-minded lawyer son Scott (Caleb D. Long) as well as residual issues from the breakup of her marriage.

The characters and situations are believable, and the relationships are convincing, particularly between the patients and Abby, between Tom and Samantha, and the growing attraction between Izzy and Tom. The show also employs some classic “rom-com” conventions especially in the music between scenes, which the audience will probably recognize as being used in modern classic films of genre like When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle, and You’ve Got Mail. As for the plot, however, I figured out two of the major points early on, with one important element being telegraphed in the very first scene. There are some fun “quirky” comic moments to lighten the drama, and the drama is well-played even if it is fairly easy to guess what’s going to happen (or in one case, what has already happened). The pacing is strong, as well, and the relatively short running time goes by briskly. 

The cast is the biggest strength of this production, with Nigh bringing convincing energy and believably conflicting emotions to the role of Izzy, and Ritchie in a likable performance as the amiable but evasive Tom. Garcia is also excellent as Abby, who has become as much of a friend as a nurse to Izzy. There are also fine supporting turns by Creighton as Samantha and Long as Scott. The actors work together well, with strong ensemble chemistry and good balance between the comic and dramatic elements of the story.

The medical environment is portrayed believably by means of Caleb D. Long’s detailed set, which also features the kitchens from Izzy’s and Tom’s apartments. There’s also effective lighting design by John Wilper that adds to the overall tone of the show, and good use of the aforementioned transition music.

Red Jasper is a convincing story, for the most part, with the characters and performances being the true highlight. Although it does have its predictable elements, it’s an engaging portrayal of a cancer patient’s story and various relationship difficulties, both romantic and familial. It all fits well into the familiar Gaslight Theater space and provides an intriguing theatrical experience for St. Louis audiences.

Michael Madden Productions is presenting Red Jasper at the Gaslight Theater until October 13, 2024