You Are Who You Were

Dr. Ruth K. Westheimer is the four-foot-seven-inch dynamo who made “sex” a household word in America through her radio show, television and books. The matter-of-fact handling of all topics sexual informed the country and removed the mystery that had cloaked sex matters at the time. Her story of profound adversity and triumph is the focus of Mark St. Germain’s new play “Dr. Ruth, All the Way,” now at Barrington Stage’s St. Germain Stage in Pittsfield, MA. This one-woman show starring accomplished actress Debra Jo Rupp tells the tale of Karola Ruth Siegel, born in Frankfurt, Germany in 1928. Shortly after Kristallnacht (the night of broken glass), when Nazis destroyed synagogues and Jewish businesses in 1938, she was sent to Switzerland on the Kindertransport (a program that took Jewish children from their parents to protect them). This sparked years of struggle against mistreatment in several spots throughout Europe as well as in Palestine. In September 1956, she arrived in America with her second husband and, though poverty-stricken, earned a Ph.D. in education. It is important to note that her expertise in human reproduction came late in her career and virtually by accident. Everything in St. Germain’s script is true. He nicely balances a chronological detailing of her life and telephone conversations with her agent, her children and others while offering anecdotal side-trips. Self-deprecating humor runs throughout the script as well as thoughtful insights into human nature. The play takes place in 1997, three months and six days after the death of her third husband, Fred Westheimer. She is packing to move to a smaller apartment, presumably to escape her memories. Wisely, St. Germain avoids being maudlin when Ruth speaks of Fred and the unknown fate of her parents and grandmother in the aftermath of the war. In these moments he relies on a simple retelling of events. The emotional impact is the audience’s choice. The script is tight and well-constructed, but the driving force of the show is Rupp. She captures Dr. Ruth’s accent and physical qualities, though she is several inches taller, which is not saying much. She commands the stage with a strong presence and a stronger characterization. It is Dr. Ruth’s smile, gestures and vocal intonations, topped by a bullish energy tempered with grace and charm. The production uses slides and videos created by Brian Prather. In the opening of the second act, Ruth talks and sings (which she admits is a failing) with a video of Tom Chapin. It has been recorded and timed as though he was actually in the room with her. The set, also designed by Prather, captures the clutter of the apartment that typifies Ruth’s need to be surrounded by her possessions, given what she lost in her childhood. Julianne Boyd’s direction is tight and maintains a brisk pace. She does not allow Ruth to get too sentimental or emotional, but the moments of personal revelations are still deeply effective. Despite the abundance of cartons and furniture on stage, movement is fluid and unencumbered. Throughout the play, Ruth refers to her past, especially her youth. Her understanding of life is the statement of the play: “You always are who you were.” “Dr. Ruth, All The Way” runs through July 21. For tickets call 413-236-8888.