UPlayers' Jenny more than just entertainment
By Alanna Magri
Lance Writer
February 3, 2010
 We often tend to forget the true meaning of a friendship. A good friend will always be there for you, to support and comfort you when you need it most.
As we follow the story of four strong women, we see their ability to be supportive throughout heartbreak, addiction, death and betrayal.
The University Players presentation of “Jenny’s House of Joy” is more than just entertainment, it is also a learning experience.
It is in the parlour of Jenny’s House of Joy in Baxter Springs, Kansas, 1871, that we meet four prostitutes, each one different from the next. With different hopes, dreams, and outlooks on life, these four characters show the audience that although they are different both inside and out, they all share an unbreakable bond.
Not even five minutes into the first scene, the audience is almost brought to tears laughing after meeting Frances (Gaby Grice) and Anita (Kayla Whelan).
Frances is an interesting character—she is laid back with a masculine demeanor, often found drinking before noon and lying around the parlour. Frances is a vulgar character, she speaks what she is thinking, and never thinks twice. Despite her odd personality and the conflict she often creates with others, you would be surprised at how we end up admiring Frances.
Her friend Anita could not be any different. Anita is a young, lively girl who looks for the good in everyone. She comes off as a ditzy blonde, but she loves her books and her only desire is to make a better life for herself as a “member of society.”
Newcomer Natalie (Lauren Binhammer) has to fight her way to become respected by the others. She endured hard times in her life and decided to leave it behind. She had stumbled into Jenny’s House of Joy looking for work to make a living.
All of these young women work for Jenny (Alexandra Johnson). The girls look up to her as a mother, someone who has taught them everything and has looked after them. Jenny is a complex character, because she seems to love her girls, but there are scenes that she appears heartless.
Although Clara (Katherine Turnbull) is only a minor role, she is a vital character to the climax of the story. She is a courageous character and wants the best for herself and her husband.
Conflict arises between many of the characters, yet, in the end, they come together to work out their differences and show each other true meaning of friendship.
The stage is simplistic, yet well-designed and elegant. All scenes take part in the parlour, eliminating those sometimes disturbing scene changes.
Wardrobe selection had a significant impact on the visuals of the play. Each outfit was perfectly tailored to fit the times, occupation, and personality of each of the women.
“Jenny’s House of Joy” will be showcased at the Essex Hall Theatre until Feb. 7. Please note that the content of this show is meant for a mature audience. Visit www.uwindsor.ca/universityplayers for times and ticket information.
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