Rating: ★★★★
Venue: Tabard Theatre, London
Cast: Neve Francis, Todd Boyce, Nikolas Salmon, Sarah Berger and Dani Arlington
Set in Possum Trot, Nebraska, the play follows Maxine—the sharp-witted, big-hearted owner of the town’s only diner—on a harrowing yet often hilarious mission to keep her beloved town on the map. Maxine, played by Sarah Berger, faces crises after crises threatening the town’s survival. From agricultural giants swallowing up family farms, to climate disasters and an exodus of young people fleeing for the city, she fights tooth and nail to preserve the spirit of her small town—all while juggling the equally comic and chaotic dramas of her own family.
Tucked away at the top of the Tabard Theatre is a cosy, charming studio theatre that has been transformed into Possum Trot, Nebraska. This relatable tale is a window into the life of Maxine and her family as they navigate their lives in small town America. While there are five characters on this stage, I would argue that the town acts as a sixth character - the common thread that each of the other five characters have their own relationship with, be it a complicated or committed one.
Across 75 minutes, we are introduced to Maxine (Sarah Berger) and the Diner she has been running for the majority of her adult life. The story begins immediately after a funeral for Burt, a beloved man from their community. The family meets back at the Diner and we are seamlessly introduced to each character as Maxine sets up the Diner. Jeremiah (Nikolas Salmon), Maxine’s son-in-law and Billie (Neve Francis), Maxine’s granddaughter, enter together, followed by Duane (Todd Boyce), a lifelong Possum Trot resident and friend of Maxine’s who is more fond of her than he initially admits. Finally, we meet Pru (Dani Arlington), Maxine’s daughter. Once each of our characters are onstage together, we begin to see the overt and covert issues at play between each of them. As someone who has been very acquainted with small town America myself, I was especially impressed by the authenticity and accuracy of the set (Reuben Speed) as well as the costume design - these seemingly small details of the blinking Bud Light sign in the diner, the Folgers and Coffee Mate on the counter, down to the dirt and paint of Jeremiah’s work clothes all attributed to the robust storytelling of Possum Trot.
This script is truly charming, boasting a 75 minute story that pulled me in and gave me a reason to be invested in each of the character’s, their wellbeing, and how they will cope with the birth of a ghost town that they live in. Rucker has created a lovely blend of comedic timing, niche comical references (hello Branson, Missouri!), as well as difficult conversations amongst the family. While the story of Possum Trot may seem initially like a story of low stakes, it soon becomes apparent that there are many serious implications to the characters’ lives based on their geographical location. Writer Kathy Rucker explores these hardships incredibly well, highlighting the very real consequences faced by many small town Americans today - lack of adequate healthcare for women, generational farmers competing with big box companies, and a lack of access to mental health for those that continue to believe in a town their families have lived in for generations.
Each of the actors in this show brought something special to the stage, with standout performances from Duane (Todd Boyce) and Billie (Neve Francis). Boyce played the role of Duane as if he had lived in Possum Trot for years, and the delivery of his quiet yearning for Maxine to see how much he cares for her was beautifully portrayed. I also found myself very impressed with Francis’s commitment to her performance of Billie and the complications that she faces. Additionally, the relationship between Duane and Billie was a real highlight for me and I found that the two had great chemistry on stage.
The mark of a strong story is one that I walk away from feeling invested in multiple characters, and that was precisely the case for this story. I would love to see a continuation of the story, following Maxine and Duane as they unite on a road trip together, or following Billie as she ventures to college in California. The story of Possum Trot is a charming delight, as well as a necessary story to be told. Grab a pint and your tickets to the show - Possum Trot is showing at Tabard Theatre through 29 November.
You can book tickets to see Possum Trot, here.
Review by Miranda
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