Jez Butterworth's new domestic drama "The Hills of California" is an engaging blend of dreams and reality set between two significant epochs in the history of Webb women. This drama beats to a different rhythm than Butterworth's previous grand plays like "Jerusalem" and "The Ferryman," unveiling societal narratives alongside family-focused themes.
"The Hills of California," expertly directed by Sam Mendes, brings to life the story of women faced with restricted choices and numerous hurdles against the backdrop of a rapidly changing world. The play introduces us to Veronica Webb (Laura Donnelly), a disciplined mother orchestrating a song-and-dance quartet with her teenage daughters, reminiscent of the 1940s girl group, The Andrew Sisters. Two decades later, the harmony of the quartet crumbles as the sisters reconvene at their childhood house to comfort their ailing mother, their lives marred by emotional scars.
Designer Rob Howell crafts an evocative set space, alternating between a public parlour depicting Veronica's lonesome efforts to gather patrons and a private kitchen, the family's inner sanctum. A prominent, ominous edifice with endless staircases leading to rooms named after the American states serves as a constant reminder of dreams of America.
The play uses the framework of immense challenges to reveal the resilience, humor, and determination of a mother raising her daughters single-handedly in the English seaside town of Blackpool. The daughters strive to avoid the stagnant norm of their surroundings, with one escaping to the misleading liberty of the golden state, reflecting the lyrics of Johnny Mercer's song which lends the play its title.
In "The Hills of California," music is not just an avenue of potential liberation but also serves as a haven. The characters collectively bear striking resemblances to those in "Gypsy," as they all feature forceful stage mothers making unexpected moral decisions, causing ripples in their relationships, all to secure a star status for their daughters.
Despite the successful West End premiere earlier this year, Butterworth refocused and tightened the narrative of the play, enhancing its efficacy and satisfaction. However, it still emphasizes the importance of the women's experiences and has abundant and nuanced roles for actresses. A finely led ensemble cast sees performances that are emotive yet controlled, notably Laura Donnelly who plays both adult Joan and Veronica with multi-layered depth and mastery.
Even amid revealing the despairing desperation of a mother and the devastating end where dreams and reality tragically clash, "The Hills of California" offers the grim yet captivating exploration of the women at its heart.
