 The Semi-CircleEnglish Language Theatre in Basel since 1975 |
March Production 1988 - "I Remember Mama" by John van Druten
The Cast and the Director of "I Remember Mama" | "I Remember Mama" by John van Druten based on Kathryn Forbes' novel, Mama's Bank Account Katrin Hanson Cynthia Baer Mama Joan Kuster Papa Graham Simons Dagmar Hanson (Tuesday and Thursday) Eleanor Cockburn Dagmar Hanson (Wednesday and Friday) Elizabeth Lazdins Christine Hanson Rebecca Reese Mr Hyde Norman Koeth Nels Hanson Nicholas Degen Aunt Trina Diana Zuger Aunt Jenny Barbara Clark Aunt Sigrid Ruth Meier Uncle Chris Richard Levitt A Woman (Jessie) Caroline Weisskopf Dr. Johnson Brian Acton Mr Thorkelson Oscar Baldomero A Nurse (1) Susan Stafford A Charwoman Doreen Richter Arne Rupert Dell A Nurse (2) Fanny Weiss Soda Clerk Mark Nixon Bell-Boy Mark Nixon Florence Dana Moorehead Doreen Richter The play revolves around the life of a loving Norwegian immigrant family, the Hansons, living on Steiner Street in San Francisco soon after the turn of the 20th century. Told through the nostalgic eye of Katrin, one of three daughters, it is the story of a working-class family trying to live the American dream. Papa Hanson is a blue-collar worker; he and Mama attempt to raise their four children so that they understand the difference between right and wrong, between selfishness and selflessness. They are assisted by Mama's uncle, Uncle Chris, whose gruff exterior hides his inner charm and generosity. Mama and Papa (Marta and Lars) believe in hard work and a good education. They struggle to put their son, Nels, through high school, as each member of the family sacrifices in order to accomplish this. They are warm and affectionate to each other, but very frugal in their use of funds. The three aunts, Jenny, Sigrid and Trina, offer a counterpoint, as the first two are usually selfish and petty, while Aunt Trina is mostly kind. Through their hard work, wise financial decisions, and creative common sense, Mama and Papa manage to raise and educate their children. Costumes by courtesy of the Stadttheater Basel
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