“The Hills of California” is a new play that opened at the Broadhurst Theater in New York City. The play tells the story of Veronica Webb, a single mother in Blackpool, England, who forces her four daughters to learn the ins and outs of show business in hopes of escaping their run-down lives at a dingy hotel. As a parallel, the play compares Veronica to Mama Rose from “Gypsy,” both being morally off-balance mothers who believe sacrificing their children’s innocence for fame is worth it. However, Veronica earnestly believes a music career will save her daughters from the dissatisfying life she lived.
The play begins in 1976 when the Webb sisters are adults and gather together on the night that their mother Veronica will die from cancer. The drama is saddening from the start and only gets sadder as the story progresses. While “The Hills of California” may not be the playwright’s best work, it has a haunting atmosphere that distinguishes it from other dramas about children caught up in their parents’ dreams. The play has a dreamy third act that captures the essence of the story about the Webb sisters.
As the play unfolds, it becomes evident that the sisters, Gloria, Ruby, and Jill, are dealing with their own struggles and resentments while coming together to say goodbye to their mother. Jill, in particular, is a cheerful spinster who never left home and becomes Veronica’s caretaker, reflecting the sacrifices made by each of the women. The story then delves into the past, taking the audience back to the 1950s when Veronica was trying to build a successful music career with her daughters.
Veronica’s character, portrayed by Laura Donnelly, is enthralling and complex, revealing layers of her persona as the story progresses. The depiction of the Webb sisters and their dynamics adds depth to the narrative, showcasing their struggles and relationships with each other. The play also portrays the male characters in the story as men Veronica wants to leave behind as she pursues her dreams of fame and fortune. The accents and dialogues in the play may be challenging to understand due to the authentic representation of the Blackpool accent.
The play culminates in a different ending than originally presented in London, offering a more satisfying and impactful conclusion. The changes made in the ending of the play enhance the overall narrative and evoke thoughts of other iconic plays like “Gypsy.” “The Hills of California” captures the essence of sacrifice, family, and dreams, making it a compelling drama that explores the complexities of relationships, aspirations, and the journey of self-discovery. The haunting atmosphere and emotional performances by the cast make this play a must-watch for theater enthusiasts.
