'Sweet Storm' performances fresh, superb

Gorilla Theatre has produced yet another gem with "Sweet Storm," a brief and lovely play by Florida native Scott Hudson. In a perfect pairing, Hudson's former drama teacher at Brandon High School, James Rayfield, directed.

The story is set in 1960 Lithia during a torrential downpour. Bo (Chris Jackson), a preacher, surprises his bride, Ruthie (Heather Atkinson), with a honeymoon in a tree house. He built the structure himself, and Ruthie comes to understand that the tree in which it rests is the real gift. Perched on its branches, the couple had shared their first kiss.

A honeymoon in a tree house is a bit odd for most, but even more so for a disabled woman. With references to Franklin Roosevelt, Warm Springs and an iron lung, it's clear that Ruthie contracted polio. Her legs are useless, but Bo tenderly and repeatedly reminds her that her condition has not deteriorated his love.

Hudson crafted a beautifully written homage to the simple love story. His dialogue was authentic and just sweet enough to avoid cavities. References to Clearwater, Tampa and the surrounding area, uttered with southern lilts and well-timed humor, gave the play a firm sense of place reminiscent of works by Tennessee Williams.

The performances were fresh and superb.

Jackson conveyed the same star quality that skyrocketed Heath Ledger to fame, so be on the lookout for this guy on the big screen. He ran with Hudson's wit, virtually winking at the audience as his character strove to drown his wife's sorrows in love, rain, perfumed gardenias and effortless, kinetic charm. He was a joy to watch, notably in one energetic moment inspired by blue jays.

Atkinson's performance was just as lovely and delicate as the play's structure. Soft and fragile don't always draw eyes, but she somehow used these qualities to captivate and then emanate power.

Both actors seemed to revel in the playwright's subtle, dry comedy, and Jackson - in contrast to Atkinson's immobility - punched it up with his physicality (tossing his socks in the corner, jumping on the bed, disposing of gardenias). Yet both gave just as much attention to the pathos of the situation, without being melodramatic or maudlin.

Jake Kavenagh's set design brought the entire production together. Tree limb shapes were cut out of the "walls" and looked like elegant silhouettes. The structure was rustic but inviting, as any good tree house should be.

Though only about an hour long, this play was loaded with metaphors (tree limbs vs. human limbs) and meaning. Hudson packed a lot of thought and care into this work, and it showed in every way.

Sweet Storm

Theater review

When: Through March 20; 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday

Where: Gorilla Theatre, 4419 N. Hubert Ave., Tampa; call (813) 879-2914 or visit www.gorillatheatre.com

Tickets: $20 to $25, depending on date of performance