The Lilies of the Field

The Elite Theatre Company resides in the fully restored basement of a one hundred-year-old farmhouse in downtown Oxnard’s beautiful Heritage Square. Heritage Square is one full block of turn-of-the-century Ventura County buildings that now give a home to shops, restaurants, fountains, churches, and yes, The Elite Theatre Company. The venue, though small, provides a theatrical oasis in a city that has recently given life to numerous artistic ventures such as music festivals, art walks, and the like. The Elite’s current production of The Lilies of the Field is a perfect fit for this charming space in a diverse and growing city.

The Lilies of the Field is a deep and meaningful religious allegory that tells the story of wanderer Homer Smith (Antonio Vezia), who moves across the Southwest in an old station wagon, taking work as he finds it in the mid 1960’s. As he journeys, Smith meets the dour and irrepressible Mother Marthe (Kathleen Silverman), who heads a missionary group of nuns abandoned by their church and ignored by their neighbors in the large Valley. Locals go about their daily lives in the small town, unaware of the change that Smith will inevitably bring them.

The set on this three-sided stage is craftily designed by Bob Decker and gives the unmistakable allure of the small border town in which the play is set. Along the way, a folksinger (Kyle Johnson) provides authentic ambient vibrations, musically moving the audience to each new scene. Director Andrea Tate weaves the story well and draws out strong and cohesive performances from the cast.

Vezia gives an understated, natural, and believable performance as the likeable Homer Smith. Silverman is strikingly genuine and compelling with an obvious command and presence that lends heart to each scene. The supporting roles are also played and sung well by the engaging cast that is unwavering in the story that they wish to tell. Likewise, the local café owner (Tim Viramontes) provides a comedic touch throughout the show. The bulk of the exposition in Lilies of the Field is delivered in the form of narration by the role of Father Gomez (Elixeo Flores). The affable Flores is at home as a southwestern Padre, with a profound sincerity about him that punctuates the touching conclusion of this heartwarming drama. The Lilies of the Field blossoms with heartfelt emotion and honest meaning that makes for a truly touching evening and a show you will enjoy.

The Lilies of the Field runs through April 1st 2012 at the Elite Theatre in Oxnard CA. (805) 483-5118 http://www.elitetheatre.org/