So God Invented Mothers

Alma – American Blues Theater

It was said, by someone much wiser than myself, that because God couldn’t be everywhere he invented Mothers. And famed English author, Agatha Christie, once said that “A mother’s love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity. It dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path.” This quotation perfectly capsulizes playwright Benjamin Benne’s new one-act play, now enjoying its World Premiere in Chicago. The plot involves a number of contemporary issues, but at its heart Benne’s drama is a warm and heartfelt story about the mutual love between a mother and her daughter.

Alma is hardworking single mother, who immigrated from Mexico. She’s been sharing a tiny apartment with Angel, her rebellious teenage daughter, somewhere in Los Angeles. Both women are trying to achieve the American Dream, while struggling with a variety of individual personal problems. They both want a better life for themselves. So Alma is studying American history, in order to get her Green Card and pass the test for American citizenship; 17-year-old Angel is reluctantly memorizing English vocabulary words in order to pass her SAT, with the hopes of earning a scholarship and attending a good college. 

Alma works long, hard hours doing menial tasks, just to pay the rent, pay the utilities and put food on the table. Her daughter attends high school, refuses to eat properly, hangs out with questionable friends and dreams of being an environmental activist. Like any parent and child relationship, rebellion is a constant in the lives of these two strong-minded Hispanic women. Add to these complications the election of a bigoted 45th President, whose abrasive comments about Mexicans and building a wall to keep them out of this country is hurtful and dangerous to so many. In addition, the apartment Angel and Alma share often experiences problems with electrical brownouts. They also have a television that seems to be possessed and has a mind of its own. 

Benjamin Benne’s slice of life drama, however, is loving story about a devoted mother and her typical teenage daughter. It’s directed with grit and realism by Ana Velazquez. Alma is a strong, valiant woman, filled with a drive to achieve a better life for Angel and herself. Behind her constant criticism of her daughter’s life, she is filled with unconditional love for Angel. Alma is portrayed with guts and glory by the talented Jazmin Corona. From the moment she enters her cramped apartment, Ms Corona shows a caring character who lives only for her young daughter. Bryanna Ciera Colon is magnificent as Angel. She’s so completely natural. Every moment on stage is honest and authentic, so much so that we truly believe these two women are related. Hopefully we’ll be seeing more of both these gifted actresses in the future.

The creatives behind this production have done a wonderful job of bringing this play to life. Tara A. Houston has designed a very realistic setting for Alma and Angel. Every detail is perfection, from Verity Neely’s props, to Lily Walls’ natural choices for costumes. Rachel West lights this production with talent, especially the candles that seem to be controlled by a greater force that a mere match. And Eric Backus nicely paints the production with sound and his original music, adding to the atmosphere of the story.

Directed with realism and honesty by Ana Velazquez, Benjamin Benne has delivered a beautiful one-act drama that’s actually about so many present day issues. But at the heart of it all is the strength and mutual love shared by a mother and her daughter. This work is a showcase for a pair of talented actresses who certainly know their craft. They leave the audience breathless with their exquisite performances, in a production that will haunt audiences for a long time to come.      

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented September 22-October 22 by American Blues Theater, in cooperation with Center Theatre Group, at Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, 5779 Ridge Avenue, Chicago.

Tickets are available at the box office, by calling 773-654-3103 or by going to www.americanbluestheater.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.