Is there a heaven? Or heaven on earth? These questions are raised, with both seriousness and humor, during OnStage Playhouse’s production of “Going to a Place Where You Already Are.”
While an older couple is at a funeral, Joe reaffirms his lack of belief in an afterlife. After nearly dying, Roberta isn’t so sure. Heaven seems real, especially with a quirky angel to guide her along the way. Their granddaughter is floundering in life and turns to her grandparents for answers.
The entire cast was exceptional.
Roberta (Jody Catlin) and Joe (Richard Rivera) were acted with both humor and poignancy. Roberta, in her brief journey to heaven, tenderly shares her experience with the audience. Joe’s pain and impending loss is clearly shown. Portraying the granddaughter, Heather Warren reveals the stress of a person at a turning point in her life. Miguel Gongora plays the insightful and disabled Jonas, the granddaughter’s love interest, with sensitivity. Oozing charm and flair, Patrick Mayuyu is the angel who guides Roberta in her journey.
This magical play is filled with both wit and real emotion. At its end, the audience should take time to reflect on their interpretation of the play’s title.
Audience members Paula and Ernie Zamudio had positive words for the play. They felt the characters were strong, the scenes came alive, and that Roberta was amazing in using her senses to portray heaven.
Director Hannah Logan allows her actors to reveal their emotions in a realistic manner. She guides the play to flow seamlessly through the different settings. Ron Logan and Duane McGregor have developed the simple yet effective sets with skill. The lighting design, created by Quinn Schuster, was an important element in this production.
As always, a vote of thanks to the leadership of James Darvas, the producer of the play and artistic director of OnStage Playhouse.
The young playwright, Bekah Brunstetter, is an upcoming playwright and screenwriter. She also has writing and producing credits on the TV show “This is Us.”
This play, which premiered in 2016, is drawn in part from discussions she had with her parents about death and the afterlife.
The show runs through Feb. 16. All tickets are $25, with senior/student and group discounts available. Curtain times are Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. OnStage Playhouse is located at 291Third Avenue in downtown Chula Vista. Nearby parking is available.
