Pure opens season with riveting play

Pure Theatre opened its seventh season Friday night with a power duo: A one-woman play by renowned author Joan Didion starring Lucille Arrington Keller, an exceptional actress with professional credits, for whom the role seems to have been written.

An adaptation of her award-winning, best-selling memoir of the sudden loss of her husband and daughter, Didion's "The Year of Magical Thinking" does infinitely more than document the history of her reactions to these unexpected deaths.

With candor and clarity, balanced with her particular brand of humor, the author draws an intimate portrait of herself and her family as they navigate unknown waters.

The highly affecting piece is filled with sentiment, but contains not a jot of sentimentality.

Keller has what seems an uncanny connection with this real-life woman, bringing a natural grace and exhibiting a strength that simmers just beneath the surface.

Keller/Didion must remain in control, must engage in certain behaviors, or she -- and the hope that her dear John will come back -- will fly away.

What is wrong with this kind of magical thinking practiced by primitive cultures for so long?

Directed by Pure's artistic director and co-founder Sharon Graci, the 90-minute show will rivet you to your seat.