The seed for Jez Butterworth’s latest play, ‘The Hills of California,’ was planted during a simple observation in the countryside. Witnessing a spider meticulously building its web only to have it carelessly destroyed by a dog sparked an idea about the fragility of dreams and the potential for them to be shattered. This idea became the core of ‘The Hills of California,’ a poignant and complex exploration of family, ambition, and the price of dreams.
The play centers on Veronica, a mother determined to raise her four daughters as a musical quartet, mirroring the success of the Andrews Sisters. Set in the faded seaside resort town of Blackpool in the 1950s, Veronica relentlessly pursues her dream, oblivious to the changing tides of popular music. The play flips between two time periods: the ‘before’, when the girls are young and brimming with hope, and the ‘after’, twenty years later, where the sisters grapple with the consequences of their mother’s choices.
Butterworth masterfully crafts a narrative that navigates the tumultuous waters of family dynamics. The play delves into the intricate relationships between the sisters, revealing simmering tensions and unspoken resentments that have festered over time. It also explores the complex bond between mothers and daughters, highlighting the sacrifices made and the burdens carried in the pursuit of dreams.
The play’s setting adds another layer of complexity. Blackpool, once a bustling haven for entertainment and escapism, is now a shadow of its former self, mirroring the fading dreams of Veronica and her daughters. The play’s rich historical context provides a poignant backdrop for the characters’ struggles and aspirations.
The casting of ‘The Hills of California’ is noteworthy. Laura Donnelly, known for her roles in ‘The Ferryman’ and ‘Outlander,’ takes on the challenging dual role of Veronica in the 1950s and Joan, the eldest sister, in the 1970s. This strategic casting choice highlights the intergenerational impact of Veronica’s choices and the echoes of her ambition within her daughters.
‘The Hills of California’ is more than just a story about a family grappling with unfulfilled dreams. It is a deeply human exploration of the complexities of ambition, the enduring bonds of family, and the bittersweet passage of time. Butterworth’s play is a powerful reminder that even the most meticulously crafted dreams can be fragile and that the consequences of our actions ripple through generations.
The play’s success lies in its ability to evoke a range of emotions in its audience. It invites us to reflect on our own aspirations, the sacrifices we make for our loved ones, and the lasting impact of our choices. ‘The Hills of California’ is a moving and thought-provoking piece of theater that resonates deeply with audiences of all backgrounds.
