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Regional Reviews: Phoenix Bob & Jean: A Love Story Also see Gil's review of Firebringer
The play opens in New York City, 1941, where Bob and Jean meet. While, at first, they dislike each other, they find their instant chemistry draws them together. However, just as quickly as their romance sparks, war pulls them apart–Bob is sent to the Pacific as a bomb disposal officer, while Jean travels with the USO to perform for the troops. What follows is a journey told almost entirely through letters, filled with passion, wit, longing, and the challenge of loving someone from across the world. Through their personal letters we witness not only the blossoming of love but also the harsh realities of distance during wartime and the perseverance of the human heart. The play is narrated by their adult son who looks back longingly at the, at times, difficult circumstances that could have instantly ended his parent's relationship and who believes that reading through the letters is his chance to fully understand his parents. The inspiration for the drama is just as touching as the story itself. Schenkkan discovered a trove of love letters his parents exchanged during their courtship and used these as the foundation for the dialogue in the play. As such, the words spoken by Bob and Jean onstage are often taken directly from the actual characters' own hands and hearts, lending an authenticity and sincerity that would be hard to fabricate if the piece were fiction. While the outcome of the play is never in doubt–after all, their son is narrating the story–the emotional journey almost always captivates, even if the dramatic stakes never truly feel high. However, there are a few short instances when Schenkkan's script comes across as heavy handed or self-indulgent. Also, if you hadn't read the play notes in the program you may not know that that the play is completely autobiographical and that the letters his parents wrote form the basis of the dialogue in the show; perhaps incorporating that information into the play would increase the emotional poignancy and factual stakes of the piece. The cast does an excellent job of breathing life into the words in the letters. As Bob, Jake Bentley Young conveys a wonderful blend of military precision, youthful vulnerability, and an intense dedication to win Jean over, while Mary Mattison's portrayal of Jean radiates intelligence, humor and strength, along with the uncertainty that comes with being at the start of a relationship with someone you aren't certain will ever come home from the war. Their chemistry transcends the physical distance, making their written exchanges feel immediate and intimate but also universal and very relatable. Scott Wentworth, playing their son, adds poignant commentary throughout, grounding the story in memory and reflection, and gently guiding the audience through the emotional terrain and the ups and downs in his parent's courtship. As director, Matt August makes wise choices to maintain visual and emotional momentum in a story largely rooted in stationary letter-writing. Through August's clever staging and fluid transitions, the play avoids feeling static, and he uses the actors to great effect to ensure there is a constant connection between the characters, often having them speak the written letters to each other. The creative team deserves high praise for crafting imaginative and evocative stage images on an almost static set. Stephen Gifford's gorgeous scenic design uses a back wall crafted with large rectangles and squares that resemble the written letters on parchment paper to perfectly frame the story. Mike Billings' clever lighting and the many effective props that reflect the details in the letters add to the story and ground it in realism. The rich period costumes by Kish Finnegan transport the audience back to the 1940s. John Gromada's original music and sound design add a beautiful underscore throughout that adds to the action on stage and manages to counter the emotional beats in the love story. Bob & Jean: A Love Story is a touching, elegant tribute to love, resilience, and the power of words. While not without its structural lulls, and even though it's a bit heavy handed at times, the heartfelt performances and beautiful design at Arizona Theatre Company more than make up for the play's few shortcomings. It's a moving, nostalgic evening of theatre that reminds us how love can truly stand the test of time and overcome seemingly unsurpassable obstacles. Bob & Jean: A Love Story, an Arizona Theatre Company Theatre production, runs through May 4, 2025, at Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Mesa AZ. For tickets and information, please visit www.arizonatheatre.org or call 833-282-7328. Director: Matt August Cast: (in order of speaking): *Member, Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States |
