by Macey Levin
Berkshire on Stage highly recommends the CapDist Theater Events page!
Worlds collide in Bakersfield Mist by Stephen Sachs when a former bartender, Maude Gutman, (Lusia Trus) and an art expert, Lionel Percy, (Conan McCarthy) meet at her trailer home in Bakersfield, California. Bridge Street Theatre in Catskill, New York, has produced an absorbing and beautifully acted production seamlessly directed by Mark Perry.
Maude has bought a painting in a thrift store for three dollars that she believes is an original Jackson Pollock and contacted an international foundation to have it verified. Lionel arrives and after a quick examination determines it is not genuine. From there the two argue, each staunchly defending totally diverse positions. Fueled by more than a few shots of Jack Daniels they reveal truths about themselves and their diverse approaches to life which are humorous as well as poignant.
They are very different people. The question is: Who is more credible? She has lived on the west coast in her trailer while supporting herself through menial jobs. There is a certain charm to her earthy personality that is both disarming and distasteful. She is wackily perceptive while expressing some very shrewd though foul-mouthed opinions. Lionel, staid and arrogant is always at the ready to detail and protect his accomplishments and place in the art world including his stint as a former director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The central element of the plot is the painting; the discussions of “What is art?” and who decides is vividly brought to life through witty and moving dialogue. His knowledge stems from a classical education and experience while hers erupts from a passionate heartbreaking intuition. Though Lionel shows disdain for the way Maude has lived her life his superior attitude softens as he too owns up to a troubled marriage and career mistakes. It seems that life has damaged his carefully honed veneer as well. As Maud and Lionel share drinks and confessions, two equals emerge, connected by their love of art and their integrity to protect it.
As powerful and edgy as the script may be, the strength of the production is due to the insightful and dramatic staging by director Mark Perry and the powerful acting of McCarty and Strus. Running time is eighty minutes, but the pace Perry has instilled moves the action quickly and smoothly as he creates provocative stage pictures. He has also designed the sound and the set which boasts a very realistic trailer complete with running water and a functioning television set.
In the hands of McCarty and Strus, Lionel and Maude are real people. Both handle the comic moments, of which there are many, superbly, while maintaining their conflicted attitudes. They are believable as they wend their way through myriad emotional moments triggering our own sensitivities to their tragedies. Their performances are deeply affecting and the last scene resonates with humanity.
Bridge Street’s Bakersfield Mist is a treasure.
Bakersfield Mist by Stephen Sachs; Director Mark Perry; Cast: Conan McCarty (Lionel Percy) Lusia Strus (Maude Gutman);Set and Sound Design: Mark Perry; Lighting Design: John Sowle; Costume Design: the performers; Stage Manager: Timothy Dunn; Running time: 80 minutes, no intermission; April 16-25, 2026; Bridge Street Theatre, 45 Bridge Street, Catskill, NY.