MIRIAM AND ESTHER GO TO THE DIAMOND DISTRICT, a short play that packs a long punch, is at the Magic Theatre in San Francisco

by Carol Canter

Elder daughter Miriam with the ghost of her youthful opera singer mother. Photo by Carol Canter

The World Premiere of MIRIAM AND ESTHER GO TO THE DIAMOND DISTRICT, written and directed by Andrea Gordon, turned a rainy San Francisco night into an intimate evening of theater that packed a powerful emotional punch. A small talented cast of four wove strands of humor rife with pointed barbs together with deep pathos and even shock as a lifetime of family relationships is revisited by two sisters.

Miriam and Esther, the long estranged siblings, meet at their wealthy stepfather’s condo, 45 years after the death of their opera singer mother. They are there to sort through their mother’s things before their stepfather’s widow sells the unit.

Miriam and Esther role play with hats and other found props. Photo by Andrea Gordon

As box after box is opened, far more than stories, letters, and photographs emerge. The very ghost of their youthful mother, conjured from the memories, appears in a dazzling gown to sing an exquisite operatic aria.

Letters are read, startling discoveries are made, issues of abandonment are relived in all their heartbreak, anger and blame are tossed around, and ultimately compassion soothes the vitriol and pain.

The writing is taut and funny and sweet and poignant and shocking and the alcohol freely flows, because when you’re an alcoholic, explains Miriam, it’s never too early or too late to drink.

More ghosts, these of the young parents of Miriam and Esther, appearing very much in love. Photo by Carol Canter

The 90-minute play, highlighted by fine singing and dancing, can’t help but inspire reflection on our own legacy and what we’ll ultimately leave behind for our loved ones.

*****

The cast of MIRIAM AND ESTHER GO TO THE DIAMOND DISTRICT features Ellen Brooks (Miriam), Janet Roitz (Esther), Merrill Grant (Mom), and RP Welsh (Dad).

In addition to Ms. Gordon, the creative team includes Nina Ball* (Scenic Design), Beaver Bauer* (Costume Design), Kurt Landisman* (Lighting Design), Chris Sauceda (Sound Design), Hector Zavala (Production Manager), and Lee Brady (Dramaturg).

*Members of International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).

WHAT: Rainbow Zebra Productions LLC presents the World Premiere of MIRIAM AND ESTHER GO TO THE DIAMOND DISTRICT.

WHEN: January 17–28, 2024. Opening Night is Friday, January 19, 2024 at 8:00 p.m.

WHERE: Magic Theatre (Fort Mason, 2 Marina Blvd., Building D, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94123).

RUNNING TIME: 1 hour and 20 minutes.

TICKETS: $30 — $50 and can be purchased online at miriamandesther.com.