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One of the strengths of the principal character in Nancy Gilsenan's play Tender Lies is that he knows what people want to hear. One of the strengths of the Santa Clara Players, who are currently staging Tender Lies, is that they know what people want to see. But despite the title of their current production, there's no deception about it—just a forthright love of all aspects of the theater.
"We're theater junkies," jokes Jim Narveson, the producer of Tender Lies and the president of the board of directors for the Santa Clara Players.
The company recently opened its production of Gilsenan's drama about a kindly man and his unorthodox—if effective—way of inspiring his friends and neighbors. Tender Lies runs through June 7 at the Players' Theater in Santa Clara.
"It takes place in 1961 on Seventh Street in San Jose. It's about ... well, we don't want to reveal too much about it, but the protagonist tries to help people. That's the source of the title, Tender Lies," says Narveson.
Gilsenan used to live in the Bay Area (she now resides in Southern California), and the local setting of Tender Lies was a consideration in the company's decision to stage the work, "We thought it would have a little more immediate appeal," says Narveson. "It's sort of topical for the area."
But a number of other practical factors also came into play. "For our basic seasons, we do family theater. We don't want to exclude anybody," says Narveson. "We're a family theater." In discussing how the company chooses plays, he says, "Most of the modern stuff drops off because of the language. We just don't do it."
The Players' regular performance space, an octagonal-shaped building that was not built as a theater, also has a role in the company's programming. "We're restricted," Narveson points out, "We pretty much have to have a show with a single set because of our facility."
However, though there may not be a lot of scenery to move around, it's quality over quantity. For example, the set for Tender Lies features the facade of a Victorian house, no mean feat in a theater with very limited overhead space. Narveson worked extensively on the construction of the set and says it's the Players' most complex one yet.
The unusual space creates unique obstacles for the company—but unique advantages for audiences. "It's not really a theater; it was the original building for the Triton Museum of Art, which means it's a challenge, but the audience seems to love it because the fourth row is the back row," says Narveson.
With the audience so up close and personal, everything onstage is under more scrutiny. "You know, in the theater, they talk about the 20-foot distance. Well, ours is more like four, which means it's very unforgiving," says Narveson. "The audience sees any discrepancies." The fact that Tender Lies' Victorian house set is supposed to be in disrepair is a plus in this case. "Portions of the set are supposed to be dilapidated. I always hate it when we do one that's supposed to be upscale because that costs money and at 4 feet, you don't get away with anything," Narveson laughs.
The Santa Clara Players are concluding their 41st season with Tender Lies. The cast, all volunteers, includes Armando Lagunas, Dave Schreiber, Pat Cross and Anne Creighton. Matt Matthews directs. In August, the Players will stage Tennessee Williams' Suddenly Last Summer, a special summer show, which is not part of the company's regular season.
"Tender Lies" plays Thursday through Sunday through June 7 at the Triton Museum Hall Pavilion, Warburton and Don avenues, Santa Clara. Tickets are $10$12. For more information, call 408.248.7993 or see www.scplayers.org.
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