by Paula Kaplan-Reiss
Great Barrington Public Theater, noted for producing new works, brings Robin Gerber’s one woman play, The Best Medicine to the stage. Gerber’s first play, The Shot, enjoyed great success at this theater. While that play starred Sharon Lawrence, this production features Caroline Aaron, also an award-winning actress, most noted for The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
Given how much I admired The Shot and the work of Aaron who has done numerous plays, films and television series with the likes of Woody Allen and Wendy Wasserstein, to name a few, I was excited to see this play. The subject matter, a woman left to care for her husband who has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, seems perfect for the mature theater goers of the Berkshires.
Faced with a large stage, designed by Juliana von Haubrich, with upstage completely visible, we see a microphone center stage, some chairs on either side and a clothes rack behind two chairs. Aaron enters, tells us to turn off our cellphones and notes the emergency exits. The audience is completely acknowledged and is in on this performance.
Caroline Aaron as Rachel in Robin Gerber’s “The Best Medicine”, directed by Matthew Penn, at the Great Barrington Public Theater. Photo: Lauren Jacobbe. 
Caroline Aaron as Rachel in Robin Gerber’s “The Best Medicine”, directed by Matthew Penn, at the Great Barrington Public Theater. Photo: Lauren Jacobbe. 
Caroline Aaron as Rachel in Robin Gerber’s “The Best Medicine”, directed by Matthew Penn, at the Great Barrington Public Theater. Photo: Lauren Jacobbe. 
Through Aaron, we learn of Gerber’s past as a D.C. lawyer, a lobbyist, a successful novelist, playwright, and historian. She has had two failed marriages, and she savors her independence. And then she meets Tony in her late 30s. Tony is the definition of pure humanity. He is good, and kind to the disabled. He is a true caretaker. She is not. Of course, they fall in love and get married. But Tony gets diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, incurable and progressive. What they hoped was an essential tremor has turned into an “essential crisis.” Gerber’s love, devotion, and independence are sorely tested. She wonders if she can love Tony enough and ever find joy being a caretaker. The play begins and ends with her joining a class in stand-up comedy. Given the title, we expect more about this class will be part of the play. Rather the play focuses on what led her to take the class.
While absorbed by Gerber’s story, I wanted to feel more amused and more moved. I wanted to feel empathy. Aaron, directed by experienced Director, Matthew Penn, maintains a steady one-note speed throughout her performance. In a one-woman show, I need to see contrasts in pace and emotion. The stage is much too large for the piece. A more intimate setting would be helpful, as was used for The Shot. At times I am drawn into the story, when she discusses starting to leave her husband or tells of one of his awful falls. At other times, I find myself aware of the tremendous number of lines she has memorized. I am disconnected.
While she learns about using her life experiences in stand-up, as painful as they may be, we see very little of her work in this class. She entertains the audience at the end of the performance with the actual routine that she developed in her class. We want to laugh more.
Yes, she stays with her husband. Yes, she learns devotion and caretaking. Yes, her husband continues to be selfless, caring and loving. These are not spoilers. Gerber’s story is important, but maybe Aaron does better work playing off other actors. As the run continues, we hope Aaron adds more nuance and emotional range to her performance.
Fortunately, Gerber’s husband is still alive, and we see pictures of them in a collage on the screen after Aaron leaves the stage. This effect is moving and we wish them well, knowing laughter is The Best Medicine. Everyone needs to laugh.
Great Barrington Public Theater presents “The Best Medicine” by Robin Gerber, directed by Matthew Penn, and starring as Caroline Aaron as Rachel, August 1-17, 2025, at the McConnell Theater in the Daniel Arts Center on the campus of Simon’s Rock at Bard College, 84 Alford Road in Great Barrington, MA. Sound design by Monk Schane-Lydon, set design by Juliana von Haubrich.
Note: This Show Contains Adult Content and May Not Be Appropriate for All Audiences.
Tickets: (413) 372-1980 or https://greatbarringtonpublictheater.thundertix.com/events/244347
Run time: 80 Minute; no intermission