Left on Tenth

A charming, bittersweet take on life’s chances

By Tina Wyngate

If the purpose of good drama is to explore all aspects of the human condition – the full range from joy to sorrow and back again – then “Left on Tenth” hits the mark. The second play of the 5th season at GableStage under the guidance of producing artistic director Bari Newport brings out the totality of theater – a production that will make you both laugh and cry. It is a witty, poignant look at the human condition, and what we all face sooner or later. It is both clever and sardonic, as one might expect from author Delia Ephron, whose sister is romantic comedy goddess Nora Ephron (When Harry Met Sally and Sleepless in Seattle).

“Left on Tenth” is the story of a woman navigating life in the wake of her husband’s passing. It is all about whether to remain on hold or to re-engage with life. When she decides to re-engage, the result is comedy gold – until the stubborn, tragic side of life intervenes.

What makes the play shine right from the start is talented lead actor Dalia Aleman. Playing the role of Delia Ephron, Dalia beguiles the audience with her personal charm. There is no doubt that she is talking right to you, like an old and trusted friend who is being humorously honest.

The life she describes – Ephron’s own, for this is a recounted memoir – is deftly suited to the GableStage audience, which skews to a slightly older demographic more likely to have wrestled with the issues the play explores.

“Left on Tenth” is also a great display of technical capabilities in set design at GableStage. Scenic Designer Frank J. Oliva performs magic within the constraints of the GableStage’s intimate space. The inventive use of sliding panels of what appear to be pages – of a dairy? – is admirable and entertaining, and the speed dating scene is priceless. Kudos also to versatile actress Margot Moreland, who plays a half dozen roles of Delia’s friends and colleagues.

If nothing else, Left on Tenth will hold your attention, as it evolves from a clever and funny romantic comedy to a deadly serious romantic drama, taking you to and from the question of why we endure this roller coaster of happiness and pain we call life. Love, of course, is the answer to why we endure it, including the affections of two dogs who appear on stage (yay Buddy and Winston!). Nothing wins the heart of a canine-crazy town like Coral Gables more than live dogs in a dramatic production.