With
by Carter W. Lewis
Directed by Annamaria Pileggi
St. Louis Actors’ Studio
April 6, 2025
Whit Reichert, Donna Weinsting
Photo by Patrick Huber
St. Louis Actors’ Studio
Carter W. Lewis is a gifted, thoughtful playwright who has already had two short plays performed at St. Louis Actors’ Studio as part of their LaBute New Theater Festival, with one of these, “Percentage America” winning a St. Louis Theater Circle Award for Best New Play in 2018 (tied with SATE’s First Impressions). Now, STLAS is presenting their first production of a full-length play by Lewis, the compelling, tragicomic With. This in-depth look at a long-married couple in crisis is a terrific showcase for two tour-de-force performances by two veteran local performers, and although it’s a relatively short play, it takes on quite an emotional journey with these two memorable characters.
This is somewhat of a difficult play to describe, since the unfolding story could be too easily spoiled, and it’s best to find out what’s happening as it happens. The set-up involved Minnie (Donna Weinsting) and Clifford Habberdeen (Whit Reichert), a loving but bickering married couple who are both experiencing health crises–physical for Minnie (a cancer diagnosis) and mental for Clifford (dementia). They’re enduring a hard winter in the house they’ve lived in for decades, and over the course of the show, they reflect on their life together, their relationship with their estranged adult son, and their plans for the future. As the story goes on, it becomes clear that there are secrets being kept, and Minnie especially seems to be taking advantage of Clifford’s memory lapses for what she seems to believe is his own good. They are one of those “can’t live with them, can’t live without them” sort of couples, and the increasing urgency makes their interdependency become all the more obvious as the winter rages on and decisions need to be made.
The story is especially well constructed, with elements that are mentioned in passing becoming more important later on, and the characters being especially well-drawn, with their relationship being especially realistic. The ups and downs in this couple’s relationship are especially credible, as is their undeniable bond and chemistry, which is especially well played by the remarkable Reichert and Weinsting. Both are strong actors, and I’ve seen them both in many plays in the past, and this is an astounding achievement for both. The fastidious, cranky Clifford and the insistent, anxious Minnie are made memorable by these two extraordinary performers. The humor, drama, intensity, and urgency all comes across along with the clear sense of love these characters share. It’s a journey that can be quite harrowing at times, and these two take the audience along for the ride without missing a beat.
The technical aspects of the productions are also excellent, with the meticulously detailed set by Patrick Huber, along with Huber’s fantastic atmospheric lighting create a compelling world in which these characters live. There’s also excellent work from costume designer Teresa Doggett, and props and sound designer Emma Glose. I’m constantly amazed at how well this company is able to use their small performance space, and this play is another excellent example.
With is a challenging, thought-provoking play and an astute character study. There’s a lot going on here, and a lot to think and talk about. It’s also an exemplary showcase for two fantastic performers at the top of their game. There’s one more weekend to catch it, and I highly recommend checking it out.
Whit Reichert, Donna Weinsting
Photo by Patrick Huber
St. Louis Actors’ Studio
St. Louis Actors’ Studio is presenting With at the Gaslight Theater until April 20, 2025
