By LEONARD GRAY / L’Observateur / April 19, 1999

VACHERIE – A small-town Cajun family is wracked by guilt, medical problems and grief in the new tragedy, “Torn Page,” being presented at Oak Alley Dinner Theatre through May 9.

“Torn Page” stars Merlyn Foret as matriarch Tant Sourd, the rock of the tiny family who is totally devoted to her beloved son, T-Joe. Foret’s sassyjoie de vivre quickly disintegrates into a crash of anger and guilt, most of it directed at Melissa LeBlanc, as Telmah.

Telmah’s character, endlessly complex, is that of a girlfriend of T-Joe who has the only telephone in the tiny Cajun village and passes along messages to every family on the bayou. Her relationships with this familyrun the gamut of surrogate daughter to despised interloper.

Danny Pitre as Joe, the spouse of Tant Sourd, begins as comic but ends in sadness following the events of the production. Finally, Cyril “Ricky”Bourgeois as Dr. Sherman at first offends this Cajun group with hisunfamiliar, “outside” ways before he finally connects on a vital level.

John Doucet took this unusual plot, wrapped in a theme of tragic consequences, and presented a tale of ancient emotions – jealousy, pride, grief and passion.

Doucet’s first play, “Tant que Durera la Terre,” earned the Louisiana Native Voices and Visions Award. His other plays include “Taste theWild!”, “River Parish Ghosts Story” and “Turncoats.”Despite first-night bumps and jitters, the production (when seen on April 10) was first rate and infused with power and authority. Added to OakAlley’s cuisine, the evening itself was pleasant and relaxing.

“Torn Page” will continue each Saturday through May 9. Dinner with a cashbar begins at 6 p.m., with curtain at 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinees begin withlunch at 11:30 a.m. and curtain at 1 p.m.For reservations, call 1-800-442-5539 between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. Majorcredit cards are accepted.Back to Top

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