‘Roe’ tells personal story behind landmark court case

If you think you know all of the ramifications of the Roe v. Wade, think again.

Los Altos Stage Company’s production of “ROE” is a resounding “must see,” featuring outstanding performances by the 11 cast members, most of whom play several roles, and thoughtfully directed by Linda Piccone. And with the conservative-leaning U.S. Supreme Court considering overturning the abortion rights case, Lisa Loomer’s play is more relevant now than ever.

So much rests on the shoulders of actors Heather Skelley as Jane Roe and Kelly Hudson as Sarah Weddington, her attorney. Fortunately, both of them deliver spellbinding performances in roles that range from sympathetic to close to loathsome.

Skelley is almost chameleon-like as Norma McCorvey, aka Jane Roe, ages into her 60s in 2010 from a hard-drinking, pot-smoking 22-year-old in 1973, when she’d already given birth to two children. McCorvey’s inability to get a legal abortion when she got pregnant for a third time formed the basis for the landmark court case.

Several other cast members stand out. As McCorvey’s partner Connie, Vanessa Alvarez shows depth and compassion. All three men in the show—Keith Larson, Alex Perez and LASC’s artistic director Gary Landis—make indelible marks in several of their roles.

Excellent production values are obvious here, with Landis and Kevin Davies working together to create a massive backdrop of Grecian columns and  photographic images of the U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington D.C., and women’s rights protests, as well as gigantic images of the Supreme Court justices who decided the landmark case.

Scenic painter Greet Jaspaert did a fine job, as did costume designer Lisa Rozman, who had to come up with costumes for Jane that could be changed on stage in about five seconds.  Credit goes to Shiboune Thill, who had to make at least a dozen wigs to fit the play’s characters and the eras it spans.  Valerie Clear’s lighting and Ken Kilen’s sound were both spot on.

Kudos, too, to the fast and efficient stage crew who moved a multitude of chairs, tables and big pizza boxes on and off the stage a number of times.

“ROE” runs through March 13, with streaming performances March 11-13, at Bus Barn Theatre, 97 Hillview Ave., Los Altos. The play contains adult themes and is only recommended for mature audiences.

In-person tickets are $20-$40, and streaming tickets are $30 at 650-941-0551 or www.losalatosstage.org.