boulevard’s ‘Bakersfield mist’ gets to the art of the matter
Arrogant art expert Lionel Percy (David Flores) comes to the trailer park home of Maude Gutman (Carole Herbstreit-Kalinyen) to determine the value of painting that could be worth millionis in Boulevard Theatre’s concert reading of “Bakersfield Mist.” Photos by Troy Freund
By Marilyn Jozwik
Published Nov. 7, 2019
Boulevard Theatre’s “Bakersfield Mist” by Stephen Sachs brings together an unlikely couple – an upright, uptight art expert and a tough, foul-mouthed, unemployed bartender living in a trailer park.
In this concert reading, directed by Mark Bucher, the pair take the audience on a tightly focused, real-time journey, seeking what is true and genuine along the way. The message is delivered with clarity, passion and humor by David Flores and Carole Herbstreit-Kalinyen while David Ferrie is the show’s narrator.
Truth and authenticity – the real deal. So, what does that mean in art and in our relationships? In “Bakersfield Mist, inspired by a true story, Lionel Percy (Flores), who goes on for several minutes about his accomplishments as an art expert, is tasked with discerning whether or not the painting a Bakersfield, California resident and down-in-her-luck trailer park denizen, Maude Gutman (Carole Herbstreit-Kalinyen), picked up for a few dollars at a rummage sale is an actual Jackson Pollock worth millions of dollars. The show takes its name from one of Pollock’s most famous paintings called “Lavender Mist.”
David Ferrie is the narrator in Boulevard Theatre’s “Bakersfield Mist.”
Initially, Percy appears the far superior in intellect by his tone and condescending demeanor. Yet, his expertise seems to extend no further than the art world. His knowledge of people is sorely lacking. Gutman, on the other hand, who has a lifetime of relationships and difficult experiences, has a much better handle on humanity.
Just as with Bucher’s several other recent shows, the staged reading works beautifully for this show, which, in the capable hands of Flores and Herbstreit-Kalinyen, as well as narrator Ferrie, is a fast-moving 85 minutes. The simple setting allows the viewer a pure, uncluttered experience in the marvelous character study and battle of wits, perfectly portrayed by Flores and Herbstreit-Kalinyen.
Pianist Donna Kummer opens the show with Scott Joplin’s “Bethena, A Concert Waltz,” whose first measures sound similar to Joplin’s “The Entertainer,” featured in the movie “The Sting.” Kummer bookends the show, which ends on a satisfactory note, with the piece.
David Flores plays art expert Lionel Percy in Boulevard Theatre’s “Bakersfield Mist.”
Both Flores and Herbstreit-Kalinyen get into their characters from the start. Herbstreit-Kalinyen as chain-smoking Maude Gutman swears about the neighbors’ barking dogs in convincing trailer park trash fashion, while Flores’ Percy is pitch perfect with his pinched face and haughty tone, obviously uncomfortable in the unfamiliar surroundings of Gutman’s messy abode. They are “The Odd Couple” to be sure.
Flores’ Percy is brilliant, especially when he rants about art: “There is only one truth. Great art is the only truth.” As Percy, Flores becomes almost trance-like as he talks about art – his passion -- in vivid, visceral details. He says that Picasso “talked to his paintings” and that Pollock’s art “rewired your retina.” Flores’ oration is like Ravel’s “Bolero,” the crescendo of passionate thoughts rising to a great climax that leaves his character spent. A truly mesmerizing scene.
Herbstreit-Kalinyen has some equally compelling moments later in the show when she’s gathered evidence about the painting, giving the show some “whodunit” moments – but seeking an artist rather than a murderer. The banter here is exquisite, as Maude rails, “Don’t you want to know the truth?” while Percy simply responds, “My opinion means something; yours doesn’t” and “Art is silent and true.”
Carole Herbstreit-Kalinyen plays ex-bartender Maude Gutman, who has found what could be a valuable painting at a rummage sale, in Boulevard Theatre’s “Bakersfield Mist.”
Layers of both Percy and Maude are peeled away as we learn about Percy’s “sins” in the art world and Maude’s difficult life.
Sach’s wit is all over the show, and delivered in fine style by Flores and Herbstreit-Kalinyen, as when Percy talks about his unsuccessful marriage and ex-wife (“She was less than I appraised her to be).”
The show is dense with humor and keen language, while the story’s outcome keeps the audience guessing and engaged, making for a wonderful afternoon or evening at the theater.
If you go:
Who: Boulevard Theatre
What: “Bakersfield Mist”
When: Through Nov. 30
Where: Plymouth Church, 2717 E. Hampshire
Info: Facebook.com/BoulevardTheatre