Ruby Theatre Three women learn that life isn’t always easy in
"The Pages of My Diary I’d Rather Not Read," which is now showing
at the Ruby Theatre through Feb. 11.
By Andrea Dingman
Daily Bruin Contributor
First impressions are often misleading and when it comes to
people, there is always more than meets the eye.
Jane, Esther and Ivy, the three women in “The Pages of My
Diary I’d Rather Not Read,” currently playing at the
Ruby Theatre in Hollywood, are perfect examples of this first
impression delusion.
This nonlinear, inventive comedy/drama simultaneously documents
the innermost struggles of these young women in New York City, yet
the three characters never interact directly. The play is
essentially three separate monologues that both interrupt and build
upon each other.
Jane, portrayed by Betsie Devan, is a perky clothing-store
salesperson whose searing one-liners leave audience members’
stomachs aching from laughter. For instance, she suggests that
people should have to pass a quiz before being able to wear capris,
and observes that people can’t be both ugly and stupid
because it would just be too much for one person.
Esther, played by Eydie Faye (who also wrote
“Pages”), is a seemingly tough and sarcastic actress
who would resort to playing a murdered prostitute just to get on
the television show “Law and Order.”
Ivy, played by Marissa Manzanares, is a control freak writer who
lives for office supplies, pens and paper and money, or so it
seems.
“Pages” takes these basic, and very different
personality types and completely deconstructs them. It shows the
fear, vulnerability and insecurity behind the women’s facades
by letting the audience peek into their journals and hear
what’s really motivating their actions.
The intermission-free show’s set stays exactly the same
throughout the performance, but the events that occur in the show
retroactively span over several years of each characters’
life. From Jane’s father abandoning her as a young girl to
Esther’s remembrances of her Jewish upbringing, the play
finally emerges at the end in the same position it began.
To the tune of the Dave Matthews Band song, “So Much to
Say,” the play opens with an excited Ivy pridefully stroking
her new desk. It is clear from the start that she is the dedicated
businesswoman.
Meanwhile, Esther tends to a set dinner table alone, covering
the mirror behind her to avoid looking at her imperfect
reflection.
Jane, on the other hand, bobs onto the stage and excitedly tries
on a wedding veil while smiling exuberantly at the rock on her left
ring finger.
Suddenly, all three come to center stage and, picking up their
sacred journals, alternately begin self-sufficient monologues. The
timing of this rhythmic interplay could scarcely be better, mostly
due to the superb directing of Richard Hess. None of the three
women miss a beat in their continuing stories.
While Faye’s writing is hilarious, there are also plenty
of poignant moments in “Pages,” with end results that
are neither slapstick nor sentimental. Perky, perfect Jane lets her
bright smile relax as she reminisces about the true love of her
life. Esther admits that, although she dreams of getting an Emmy,
she would still probably come home to an empty house with or
without it.
Ivy, the least likable character at the onset due to her greedy,
no-nonsense workaholic attitude, gradually reveals a much more
tender side by the end of the performance. She admits to being a
person who misses out on life while trying so hard to avoid being
hurt. She voices regret in missing out on the fulfilling and
meaningful career of a creative writer to pursue ambitions of
glory.
The audience may also be surprised when Esther, who at first
seems to be the sarcastic, self-deprecating class clown who’s
unable to take anything personally, shows moments of utter
vulnerability, such as when she wistfully speaks of her dream
husband or the one guy who got away.
Lastly, Jane, who initially appears too cute to ever be upset at
anything, reveals a tough side ““ the result of excruciating
abuse and abandonment.
While these three women appear as different as night and day,
they all are fundamentally alike: three desperately lonely islands
trying in whatever way they can to fill the voids in their lives.
Appropriately and realistically, the ending does not offer a neat,
concrete ending for these women, whose journals are not nearly
complete.
THEATER: “The Pages of My Diary I’d
Rather Not Read” is currently playing at the Ruby Theatre at
the Complex, 6476 Santa Monica Blvd. through Feb. 11. Performances
are at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and at 7 p.m. on Sundays.
Admission is $12. For more information call (323) 993-8587.