“Native Gardens” at Westport Country Playhouse by Zander Opper

“Native Gardens”

Westport Country Playhouse

There are arguments galore at Westport Country Playhouse’s engrossing production of Karen Zacarias’ play “Native Gardens.”  Written in 2019, this play examines next door neighbors and what happens when it is discovered that the fence between the neighbors’ houses is located in the wrong place.  Deftly directed by Joann M. Hunter, the four member cast is superb and this show displays how primal, unattractive emotions can be stirred up even amongst the most cordial of people. 

On the glorious set designed by Anna Louizos, one sees the backyards of the two neighbors, with the yard on the right decorated beautifully with an assortment of sumptuous plants.  During the play’s ninety minute running time (with no intermission), “Native Gardens” at Westport Country Playhouse proves that it is a work that is much deeper and more incisive than it appears at first glance.

The younger neighbors (who have recently moved in) are the couple Pablo and Tania Del Valle (extremely well portrayed by Anthony Michael Martinez and Linedy Genao, respectively).  Pablo is a lawyer at a high profile law firm and Tania is his wife, who is pregnant and is an advent gardener.  It is announced early in the play that Pablo wants to invite his entire firm for a backyard barbecue and it is this event that ultimately incites the problems between the neighbors.

Frank and Virginia Butley (the excellent Adam Heller and Paula Leggett Chase, respectively) are the neighbors who have lived in their home for decades.  Frank is also a gardener and he is hoping that his lush collection of gorgeous flowers will finally win him the neighborhood prize for “best garden.”  Not to reveal much more of the plot, but it is discovered by the Del Valle’s, when looking at a plan of exactly how big their yard is, that it actually extends two feet into the Butley’s property.

“Native Gardens” is a great example of how seemingly “nice” people, with the most polite and kind intentions, can degenerate into warring enemies.  What works so well in this production is that this ultimately volatile situation develops gradually.  All four characters are quite endearing, and the first meeting between the couples is actually cordial and very neighborly like.  It’s not giving anything away that the circumstances in the play soon bring out the very worst in these people.

Adam Heller (whom I have seen in many shows) is pretty terrific as Frank and Paula Leggett Chase is graceful and funny as his wife Virginia.  Likewise, Anthony Michael Martinez is fine as Pablo and Lenedy Genao is very charismatic and spirited as Tania.  Despite their initial good intentions, racism, ageism, and squatter’s rights are invoked between these neighbors and all hell is eventually let loose.

The director has done a wonderful job of staging “Native Gardens” and the action in the show flows naturally and feels very right.  The set by Anna Louizos is so luxurious that it almost makes an audience member want to move into one of the onstage houses.  The costumes designed by David C. Woolard are ingeniously created and they help establish each of the characters.  Charlie Morrison’s lighting design is stellar and the sound design by John Gromada is pitch perfect.  Further, the songs chosen to be played between scenes are cannily appropriate and can invoke chuckles.

“Native Gardens” is a play that really shows how a seemingly small problem can escalate into a kind of battleground.  Indeed, things get pretty heated in the production, though it is to this show’s credit that it is consistently entertaining and funny, even as tensions heighten.  It must also be mentioned that Horacio “Joe” Cardozo and Brianna Parkin do very well in various supporting roles.  All in all, “Native Gardens” at Westport Country Playhouse is quite an enjoyable show and it ultimately proves to be an ideal night out at the theater.

“Native Gardens” runs through March 8, 2025 at Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Ct., Westport CT. For tickets and information, please call 203-227-4177 or visit westportplayhouse.org.

Photo (L-R): Adam Heller, Paula Leggett Chase, Linedy Genao, and Anthony Michael Martinez

Photo by Carol Rosegg