
'My Name is Lucy Barton' adapted by Rona Munro based on the novel by Elizabeth Strout
Now on stage at the Bluma Appel Theatre, 27 Front Street, Toronto

Dahlia Katz Pictured: Maev Beaty as Lucy Barton
Joe Szekeres
“Subtle and creative choices in direction and acting that work tremendously well. Maev Beaty delivers a riveting solo performance. Another must-see on your list.”
(Note: I have not read Elizabeth Strout’s book of the same title so I will base my commentary on Rona Munro’s stage adaptation.)
As Lucy Barton, Maev Beaty immediately breaks the fourth wall at the top of the show. Lucy lives in New York with her husband and two daughters. She has been in the hospital for nine weeks, although it’s not clear why she ended up there. At one point, we learn she could have died. It appears that Lucy is looking back on this time.
She remembers waking up in her hospital bed and noticing her mother sitting in the chair across from her. Lucy and her mother had been estranged for years. However, after receiving a phone call from her son-in-law, Lucy’s mother decided to visit the hospital in New York to be with her daughter.
As the mother sits in the chair, she shares with Lucy stories of women from their small town in Illinois who have come to regret decisions made about their lives. For example, some have tried to leave their husbands or leave the small town. What was the common element about these women? They all ended up alone.
Lucy wants the connection adult daughters and mothers should have, but it’s missing in this relationship. She tries to share details of things going on with her mother but fails. Lucy desperately wants to share with her mother how much she wants to be a writer, but again, there’s little connection between the two.
The opening night production at Canadian Stage is truly captivating thanks to the subtlety and creative choices made by director Jackie Maxwell, her team, and Maev Beaty’s outstanding performance. Beaty occasionally portrays Lucy's tough and irritable mother. The realities of Lucy's challenging upbringing in a low-income home, as well as the dynamics of her relationship with her mother, are portrayed with sensitivity and finesse. This leaves me both intrigued and appreciative of the artistry in the production.
Michael Gianfrancesco designs a sparse and cold set featuring an institutional hospital bed and chair, centered on the Bluma Appel Stage. Bonnie Beecher skillfully captures the subtle nuances of light, showcasing how it can magically transform a scene. At one point, Beaty crosses the stage to peer out of an imaginary window. Beecher expertly determines the perfect moment for the light to illuminate Beaty's face, conveying the warmth and sunshine outside. I held my breath at that moment because it felt remarkably realistic.
Amelia Scott’s projection designs are truly noteworthy. The undulating black and white patterns projected behind the hospital bed and chair beautifully capture the eye during the pre-show. As the performance begins, the colours appear to move like calm river streams, creating another striking visual moment. Additionally, Jacob Lin’s sound designs are expertly crafted; they never overpower the performance. There were moments when I found myself wondering, "Did I just hear that?"
Under Jackie Maxwell's sensitive direction of Rona Munro's adaptation, Maev Beaty captures the exquisite dynamics and beauty of a woman with a story to share. Beaty is a masterful storyteller, moving gracefully around the stage with purpose and vision. Her voice is calming and soothing. Like an artistic painting with magnificent hues and tints, Beaty’s portrayal of Lucy meticulously captures the uniqueness and vulnerability of a woman who has experienced the joys and sorrows that life inevitably presents to us all.
Final Thoughts:
Joyous! Celebratory! Uplifting! Inspirational!
The stage adaptation of ‘My Name is Lucy Barton’ answers the question that many ‘woke’ individuals could not answer several months ago. That question – “What is a woman?”
This is Lucy Barton’s story, and it’s told with warmth and compassion by two powerhouse women of the theatre – Jackie Maxwell and Maev Beaty.
Go and see it.
Running time: approximately 90 minutes with no intermission.
“My Name is Lucy Barton” runs until November 3 at the Bluma Appel Theatre, 27 Front Street East, Toronto. For tickets: canadianstage.com or call (416) 368-3110.
MY NAME IS LUCY BARTON
Adapted by Rona Munro and based on the novel by Elizabeth Strout
Director: Jackie Maxwell
Set and Costumes: Michael Gianfrancesco
Projection Designer: Amelia Scott
Lighting Designer: Bonnie Beecher
Sound Designer and Composer: Jacob Lin
Stage Manager: Anna R. Kaltenbach
Performer: Maev Beaty

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