“People do not do well in this life without purpose, and I was blessed to have found one that resonated deeply – I got to be a mother,” says creator/playwright/performer/composer Margot Rose. “So much of this piece deals with how we reconstruct our lives after being torn apart by loss, but it’s not unique to my loss as a mom. No matter what it is, people or places, we all must figure out how to go on. And the only way we do that is together.”
Aaron Benham, Melina Young, and Margot Rose – Photo by Sherry Ryan Barnett
Margot Rose was serious: she wanted to be a mother – even if she was in her late 40s and her partner was only a few years younger. The gay couple never gave up – until IVF finally rose to the challenge and made the pair excited and delighted parents of twins, Nora and Will. Margot invites the audience into her world with all its pleasures and profound losses as she shares her life through original music and vivid storytelling. Her story may well be the story of many women, women who morphed into moms with all the bumps and dips in the journey. Margot enjoyed every minute of those years, years where she discovered new aspects of herself every day as she shared her life with two tiny humans slowly developing into adults she could be proud of. When tragedy struck, Margot thought that she couldn’t survive. But then the healing powers of purpose and music swelled within her – and she converted her grief into beautiful memories as she created a tribute to her daughter, never really gone from her life.
Margot Rose, Novi Novog, and Larry Tuttle – Photo by Sherry Ryan Barnett
Skillfully helmed by Anne Kenny, UNCONDITIONAL is an uncompromising look at what makes life worth living. According to Kenny, “I witnessed first-hand how this universal story has resonated with audiences in theater workshops, living rooms, and spoken word performances. Margot’s story connects us to a way of embracing our experiences in life, with all their day-to-day minutiae, so that maybe we can better appreciate those small moments in life that are so large.” Margot Rose gives an excellent and very emotional performance as she shares the inner workings of her talented mind – and voice. Clearly, these are her memories; and they continue to evoke feelings which she shares with her audiences. She is ably assisted in her task by talented vocalist Melina Young, who often takes on the role of her daughter. Margot Rose is backed up by four band members – Aaron Benham (musical direction/arrangements/ keyboardist), Novi Novog (strings), Justin Lottie (percussion), and Larry Tuttle (guitar) – who serve as her musical Greek chorus, on occasion feeding her lines and sometimes punctuating her experiences with resounding sound.
Margot Rose and Melina Young – Photo by Sherry Ryan Barnett
Tommy Brown’s scenic design is simple yet elegant, and Alison Brummer’s lighting enhances the staging. The subject matter will likely prove fascinating to audiences in this multi-media production. UNCONDITIONAL offers some thought-provoking suggestions in an essentially upbeat musical show.
Margot Rose – Photo by Sherry Ryan Barnett
UNCONDITIONAL runs through March 9, 2025, with performances at 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays and at 3 p.m. on Sundays. Skylight Theatre is lo9cated at 1816 ½ North Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027. Tickets are $30 (students and seniors 10%). For information and reservations, call 818-749-6842 or go online.
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