by Adanna Moriarty, Ojai Valley News
“Bless Your Heart” is a play about the tie that binds a family together, love. When the main character, Thomas (David Nelson Taylor) comes back to his hometown for a family wedding, he feels slightly like an alien. Coming from two very different worlds, he from academia, and his very southern family with their strong-willed religious beliefs, and a love of Elvis. His aunt Lucille, played by Julie Denney Hamann, brings a balance to the cast of characters with her chatty, bourbon-laced vivacious ways.
“Equalizer is a great way to describe Lucille,” said Hamann. “As I was getting to know her, I noticed how often she uses the words, look and see. ‘Well, the way I look at it …’ ‘See if you can get her to try on a smile.’ I think it defines who she is. Lucille is a keen observer. She does not believe everything she hears. She strives to take in the whole picture.”
Hamann has had a broad career, which started in New Orleans in her father’s ballet studio, and then on to Disney and television.
“I feel every character I’ve played has uniquely informed my life. Each time I begin to empathize and get to know a new person, new places open in my own heart and mind. I love creating from my imagination and theatre is that magical place where I can share my stories,” Hamann said.
A southern belle herself, Hamann has a unique perspective on the dynamic that plays out in “Bless Your Heart,” written by, and loosely based on the life of Richard Camp.
“I feel Richard captured the essence of the southern family beautifully and with a tremendous amount of care and sensitivity. I relate most
to the fierceness of love and loyalty this family has for each other. No amount of conflict can sever the connection in their hearts.”
“Bless Your Heart” will make you laugh, will bring you to tears, maybe both at the same time.
“My favorite scene is in Act II with my sister, Martha (Susan Kelejian). It is a pure slice of life and, with Susan, it always feels fresh and alive as though we’re saying the words to each other for the very first time. We’ve developed a tremendous amount of trust in each other. Sometimes, we burst out laughing. Other times, we’re both in tears. But, always, we are Martha and Lucille in relationship. That scene and all its colors are forever etched in my heart,” Hamann said of sharing the stage with another strong female actress, Kelejian.
“Bless Your Heart” closes this weekend with evening performances at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and a final Sunday matinee at 2 p.m.
Tickets are available at OjaiACT.org or call 805-640-8797. People with wheelchairs are asked to call 24 hours in advance to reserve a wheelchair.