What an incredible and moving play! The playwright, R.T. Robinson, is nothing short of a genius, blending wit, culture, and the profound complexities of life in the 1940s with stunning precision. The way he weaves humor into the heartache and hope of his characters is nothing less than masterful. The portrayal of the three brides from rural Louisiana during World War II, each married to a Cliffert brother and living under their mother-in-law’s (Aunt Ola) roof while their husbands are off fighting, is brilliantly told. The dichotomy of the three sisters against their bleak home life is touching. This story unfolds when a local news article written for the Louisiana Picayune by a gossipy neighbor reporter, about these devoted young wives catches the eye of Life Magazine—leading to the women being featured on the cover of the magazine.
New York City based war correspondent Kate Miller is assigned to write the story, and although she sees it as a career setback to be covering a “women’s piece,” she embarks on a journey that’s far more life-changing than she ever anticipated. The play, based on true events in Robinson’s life, is a deeply moving tale of three women navigating love, loyalty, and their quest for self-worth, independence, and self-identity amidst the backdrop of wartime.
As someone who’s lived in both NYC and now the South (well, not the real South, but close enough), I found myself deeply connected to Kate Miller’s character. Her sharp wit and insightful commentary had me laughing out loud, especially the line, “Nobody calls me ma’am and gets away with it.” When I first moved to Austin, I also had that same bias, thinking that “ma’am” was a subtle insult, as it implied I was either older or married. But as Kate’s character so aptly illustrates, ma’am is used here as a term of respect, just like “Madame” in French-speaking regions—a nuance that Northerners, like myself, often miss.
Kate’s lines, such as “I dodged bullets and taxis on Sixth Avenue but not getting around Aunt Ola was more difficult” and “Talk better, dress more. Or dress better and talk more,” offer a great window into her character’s complexity. These moments really highlight her transformation throughout the story, from someone initially dismissive of the assignment to a woman who ultimately learns profound lessons from the very women she came to write about. Or “It ain’t the age it’s the miles” spoken from Aunt Ola to which Kate Miller responds, “It ain’t the miles it’s the terrain”, talking about women aging.
The play is a testament to the power of personal and collective stories, with all the humor and pain that come with navigating the complexities of identity and relationships. The portrayal of the three wives’ struggles and triumphs, coupled with Kate’s evolving journey, is a deeply touching experience.
This production, directed by Artistic Director Andy Berkovsky, is particularly special as it was produced for Women’s History Month, and features an outstanding cast including Dawn Erin, Terri Bennett, Nicole Elliot, Holley Garrison, Angela Mata, Rosy Porter-Witschi, and Jesse Ray Payne. Every one of the actors was stupendous, some of the best I’ve seen in regional theatre here in Austin.
Shout out to Production Stage Manager Meghan Lindquist, Bert Flanagan who chose the most appropriate and highly original costumes and set and props such as real Collier’s magazines to Eureka Theatrical & Cast.
R.T. Robinson’s inspiration for the play came from his own family history—his mother’s past, as he grew up listening to passionate women share their stories. As Robinson himself says, “The secret of great Southern writers is being born into a family of interesting, passionate women.” His writing reflects this beautifully, capturing the essence of these women’s lives with such charm and depth.
If you’re looking for a play that will make you laugh, cry, and reflect on the power of love, loyalty, and personal growth, don’t miss The Cover of Life. It’s a truly remarkable piece of theater that will stay with you long after the curtain falls. City Theatre is comfy and cozy and has some of the best seats in town. Located next to Mueller it is central and going on its 19th year in business.
The show runs until April 6th. Get your tickets at
https://www.facebook.com/events/633702826283429/633702836283428
citytheatreaustin.org. Email info@citytheatreaustin.org