Who knew a sprawling tree would hold such meaning?

In the far off 1890 English countryside, Clarissa, deep in thought, is anticipating her 18^th birthday cradled in a symbolic tree torn between coming of age and missing her late older sister. Like many literary heroines, she does not want to grow up or for her world to change as certain arrangements are being made behind the scenes as she longs to become a writer.

Fueled by Rebecca Bradshaw’s prognosticative direction, Gloucester Stage Company continues the world `premiere of Lindsay Joelle’s romantic dramedy, Dalloway:  First Love live and in person at Gloucester Stage in Gloucester, Massachusetts through Saturday, August 29.  Playwright Lindsay Joelle introduces this coming-of-age story-within-a-story production which runs approximately two hours with an intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets.

Dalloway First Love stands as a prequel to Virginia Wolff’s famous novel, Mrs. Dalloway and is also a somewhat modern take on a period piece.  I have not read Virginia Wolff’s work, but it does not seem necessary to read it in order to understand or appreciate this production.

 With subtle winks to the future of women, Dalloway First Love has one foot inside the world of 1890 and the other exploring women’s contemporary accomplishments.  As several suitors compete for Clarissa’s affections, Elwood’s Clarissa, while open to falling in love, dreams of a world with options. The famous English folk ballad, Scarborough Fair, also seems to also serve as a touchstone between classic and modern day interwoven into this period piece.

Enhanced by Aubrey Dube’s soothing sound design, Scenic designer Kristin Loeffler draws from a rural landscape as this large and symbolic tree stands as the production’s centerpiece occasionally surrounded by a Victrola, dangling chandelier, decanter and dining room set.  Capitalized by Josephine Moshiri Elwood’s delicately detailed signature lilac gown, costumer Chelsea Kerl’s presents an elegant array of period pieces including puffy silhouette lace dresses as well as stately ties, button down coat and tails in velvet and pinstripes.

Bright eyed Josephine Moshiri Elwood is no stranger to period pieces having previously performed as vivacious Emma in Actors Shakespeare Company’s period play with a modern twist, Emma in 2024.  Elwood is in her element and displays charismatic charm and a way with words as pensive Clarissa, especially in a laugh out loud moment when she passionately jokes about being ravaged by gravity.  Daring, adventuresome, impressionable and somewhat naïve, Elwood’s Clarissa is an easy individual to root and become protective of as she shares her hopes and dreams apart from societal norms roaming her family’s Bourton estate.

While Elwood shares genuine and unrefined chemistry with Shobhit Piasa as Clarissa’s boastful yet well meaning childhood chum Peter who longs for something more, it is Haley Dyana Schwartz as enigmatic, manipulative, shrewd and persistent Sally who indulges her hopes and is consistently nearby with an agenda all her own.  Schwartz is captivating as Sally who boasts a seemingly charismatic zest for life.  However, Peter is not to be underestimated.

Jesse Garlick shows off his range and serves ample comic relief stepping into a few characters from egotistical and entitled to outlandish to humble and heroic as The Slew.

Funny and wistful, Dalloway First Love also explores several themes such as grief, status, ambition, growing up, prejudice and discovery.  Though the production could be a bit tighter in its narrative, the production is at its best when it explores Clarissa’s profound introspectiveness discovering what will be her next step.

Gloucester Stage continues the world premiere of Lindsay Joelle’s romantic dramedy, Dalloway:  First Love live and in person at Gloucester Stage in Gloucester, Massachusetts through Saturday, August 29.  Click here for more information and for tickets.