The Wright Sisters

“Decision Height”

at Performing Artists Collective Alliance

A Theater Review

Telling the almost-forgotten history of the Women’s Airforce Service Pilots during World War II, “Decision Height” recounts not only female contributions to the war effort, but each character’s individual struggles.

Currently playing at PACA, “Decision” relates the training of six recruits from across the country, all with different stories and backgrounds.

Relating their own hopes, concerns and fears often through letters sent to their boyfriends, husbands or relatives, we begin to comprehend each character’s strengths and foibles.

Written by Meredith Dayna Levy, the play takes place at Avenger Field in Sweetwater, Texas, from November 1943 through May 1944.

Strangers at first, the women soon bond through flight instruction issues, drills, physical exercises, and with some girls, flouting the rules: drinking, gambling and fraternizing with off-stage men in this all-female cast.

Directed by Lisa Simonian, ‘40’s-era music such Bing Crosby and the Andrew Sisters fills the time between the possibly 30+ (!) scenes for this two-hour, two-act drama.

And “decision height” means…?

According to Google, it’s “the lowest height/altitude in the approaching descent or a private place. If the pilot cannot determine the visual reference of the approach, the pilot must then initiate a missed approach.”

Aviation jargon aside, maybe it refers to each women’s individual decisions and how to proceed with their own lives?

Some female fliers succeed. Some wash out of training. Some die.

A keen show that would’ve been appropriate for March (Women’s History Month), “Decision” offers performances that demonstrate how each female moves beyond the limited roles of women in mid-20th century America.

Describing her daily life while writing her sweetheart, Virginia (Kat McMahan) is the closest thing to the lead character who eventually chooses independence over insecurity; Norma Jean (KC McCloskey), is the mama WASP of this swarm without wings; cutie Alice/”The Shrimp” (Jennifer Puz), whose small size belies her big determination to succeed; and finally, Edith “Eddie” Harknell (Kate Neubert Lechner) is the tough tomboyish grrrl on the outside with a heart of gold inside.

Make a good “decision” and see the show.

Decision Height continues through May 5. For more information, visit paca.1505.org

***Daphne Beaumont

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