It seems almost a misnomer to refer to Sara Porkalob’s performance in her original one-woman play, “Dragon Lady,” as a solo, because she creates so many fully realized characters.
The occasion is a 60th birthday party for a Filipina family matriarch, Porkalob’s grandmother, Maria Senora Porkalob. In the basement of her home, Grandma shares stories of her life with her grandaughter. Porkalob tells the stories (to herself) in her grandmother’s voice, punctuated by cabaret-style singing.
In her telling of stories from her grandmother’s life, she portrays, at various times, her grandmother when she was a nightlub performer in Manilla, a gangster, four young siblings (baby included), her own mother, and various miscellaneous characters, every one of which is distinct. The stories she tells of her grandmother’s complex, emotional journey from a poor child whose father was murdered by gangsters, to a child laborer to a sexually-exploited nightclub worker, to a young wife of an American marine, to the immigrant matriarch of a large family are easy to follow and full of emotion from the deepest joy to the most overhwelming sorrow, from the most beautiful moments of life to the most horrible. Every emotion is captured, and shared, and experienced by the audience. It’s nothing short of miraculous.
From the second she hits the stage, Porkalob is riveting, grabbing us by the throat and shaking us with nonstop emotion for the entire two hour performance (including one intermission). She is flawless. Her rapid fire transitions leave us gasping, her nightclub style singing is spectacular, her wit, vulnterability, and precision are overwhelming.
This is not merely a theatre performance: it is a life experience for everybody fortunate enough to attend.
The best word I can think of to describe it is “transcendent ” – but that isn’t enough.
On top of all that, Porkalob is brilliantly supported by the musicians of “Hot Damn Scandal” whose polished musical stylings are fully satisfying.
The scenic design by Randy Wong-Westbrooke, lighting by Spense Matubang, and sound by Erin Bednarz are as perfect as everything else.
“Dragon Lady” is an astonishing accomplishment, the kind of work for which awards were invented.
“Dragon Lady” continues its run at Marin Theatre Company in Mill Valley through December 17. For further information, click here.
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Rating: ***** (For an explanation of Theatrestorm’s rating scale, click here.)
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“Dragon Lady,” written and performed by Sara Porkalob. Produced by Marin Theatre Company in association with Center REP. Director: Andrew Russell. Original and Adapted Music: Pete Irving. Scenic Design: Randy-Wong-Westbrooke. Lighting Design: Spense Matubang. Sound Design: Erin Bednarz. Costume Design Consultant: Daria Perkova. Props Lead: Liam Rudisill. Stage Manager: Nick Carvalho.
Musicians:
Hot Damn Scandal – Pete Irving: Composer/Guitar/Vocals. Mickey Stylin: Upright Bass. Jimmy Austin: Trombone.
TheatreStorm 