Steven Culp played: Luke Olson.
(note: this was a staged reading)
"Save me Place at Forest Lawn"
by Sandra Martinez
On September 10th, I had the opportunity to see our talented Steven Culp in a staged
reading of "Save me a place at Forest Lawn." The reading took place at the Coronet
Theatre in Los Angeles. Steven shared the stage with Marion Ross, Betty White and
Marcia Cross, among others. Not familiar with this play, I was not quite sure what
to expect.
First I should point out that this was a reading which meant that the actors are not
actually acting out the scenes, but sitting down and reading from a script.
Steven was seated in the center of the stage next to Marion Ross (you will remember
her as Marion Cunningham in 'Happy Days') Steven portrayed Luke Olsen, a workaholic
son, who lives in the city and has not visited his mother Clara Olsen, portrayed by
Ross, in quite a while. Next to Ross was Betty White ("Mary Tyler Moore Show" & "The
Golden Girls") Ms. White portrayed Gertrude Wynatt, Clara's best friend. Next to SC
was Marcia Cross who read the part of Jo, Ms. White's daughter in the play and Luke's
former sweetheart from long ago.
The reading begins when Luke receives a letter from the Forest Lawn Cemetery. He
immediately calls his mother, but is unable to locate her. He assumes the worse and
takes off in search of his mother.
Luke finds his mother alive and well, or so the audience is led to believe at first.
The play develops with lots of laughs and heart-warming lines. The audience learns
more about the friendships and relationships of the various characters, which includes
a funny, crazy, drug-taking driver who drives the two old friends around town.
As the play progresses, the audience finds out that Clara is indeed dying. This prompts
moving reactions from everyone and uncovers a well hidden secret, which affects the main
characters. (Clara confesses to knowing all along that her husband and her best friend,
Gertrude, were in love with each other for several years and yet remained married
to others)
The story is a well-balanced comedy and tearjerker at the same time. We see the various
characters grow and change as they face the reality of death.
Now, keep in mind the fact that all this is taking place with the actors seating
and reading the play, instead of moving around the stage. But do not be fooled.
They were definitely acting and doing it wonderfully. They could express the
emotions and the development of the characters perfectly from their chairs. In
this sense it was even more impressive to see how well these actors could reach
out to the audience with just the tone and inflections of their voices.
Steven was extremely good. He poured himself into his role and it was easy for
the audience to feel the pain and insecurities of his character. He was also
surrounded by great talent, especially Ms. Ross. One of the most memorable
moments of the play belongs to her. In a scene in which her character starts
laughing she is so believable and natural, that she takes the audience with her
making us all laugh, for SEVERAL minutes. It was a contagious, incredibly long
laugh that made several of the actors on stage smile.
Another highlight of the play for me, as a fan of Mr. Culp, was the scene in
which he sings! Let me tell you, "I Got you Babe" will never be the same again!
It was a real joy to see him singing the song with Jo as the couple spends a
quiet time together. Yes, he sounded good, and I truly enjoyed hearing him
sing, even if it was for just a little bit. (Can anyone imagine Webb lovingly
singing this song? No!- Which is a shame because I think everyone would enjoy
seeing this. )
The final scene was also an excellent 'read' as Clara chooses to commit suicide
due to her deadly illness. Her friend is there with her and they hold hands as
they spend their last moment together and make plans to be buried side by side.
But, the play ends in a good note, as we see the happy future of Luke and Jo
who have reunited and chose to spend their life together as a family. A nice
hopeful ending to a moving story.
Kudos to Marion Ross for her incredible work and to Steven for again shining on
the stage. I hope someday they make this story into a complete theater production.
And hopefully Ms. Ross and Mr. Culp will play the same roles.
Note: I was fortunate to talk with Mr. Culp after the play during a small
reception at the theater. He was looking great and was there with his lovely
wife Barbara. It was a real pleasure to have a chance to meet her. She seems
like a real nice lady and looked great. As always Steven was his friendly self,
a pleasure to talk to and continues to be a class act with his fans.
Thank you Mr.Culp!
