Youthful Rust Belt actors show their talent in ‘Flies’

September 20, 2011 at 12:00a.m.

By STEPHANIE OTTEY

YOUNGSTOWN

I rarely feel the need to be so blunt, but it needs to be said: The cast of the Rust Belt Theater Company’s “The Lord of the Flies” is one of the most talented groups of actors I’ve seen on a local stage in quite some time. They smoothly handle complex characters, British dialect, and the social commentary of William Golding, and none of them is old enough to drive.

Nick Narkum, Hunter Thomas, Vinnie Dragos, Davin Stilson, Gino Ginnetti, Donny Wolford, Jacob Nash, Ricco Pirozzoli, Nicholas Berent, Zachary Bernat, and Jack Kuczek are easily the most promising young male actors in the community theater scene today. Ranging in age from 10 to 15, these young men tackle their characters with a commitment that is often missing in casts of actors twice their ages. Most handle the dialect exceptionally well, none drops lines or character, and all of the boys bring an energy to the stage that can only stem from young, vivid, imaginations.

Hunter Thomas (Ralph) and Nick Narkum (Piggy) are tentative and vulnerable as they meet in the first moments of the show. Thomas’ Ralph is the kind, democratic protagonist who emerges as the first leader of the group of boys stranded on an island somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean. Thomas’ initial caution is only caused by the new, scary, unknown world that Ralph has been thrown into and quickly dissipates to reveal a level-headed young man and strong actor. On the other hand, Narkum’s Piggy remains cautious and vulnerable. Not only does Narkum embody the skittish Piggy, he’s believably blind without his spectacles as well.

Jacob Nash, an eighth- grader at Quaker Tech Academy, takes on the meatiest monologue of the show as his Simon declares “My mind, it isn’t right” late in Act 2. His portrayal of Simon’s breakdown is chilling — an absolute highlight of the production.

These characters wouldn’t be quite as sympathetic without Donny Wolford’s frightening portrayal of Jack. His menacing sneers and evil eye-rolling create a villain that is scarier than you’d expect from a tweener. Wolford commands the stage as well as his character with earned confidence.

Most remarkably, the cast displays a tremendous amount of teamwork. Together they create great dramatic changes in mood throughout the show, clearly illustrating the ideas in Goldberg’s novel, which is beautifully crafted for the stage in an adaptation by Nigel Williams.

Collectively, the young actors provide clear exposition in Act 1, build suspense and turmoil throughout Act 2, and reach a chaotic and barbaric climax in Act 3. They explore a wide range of emotions from pride to guilt, dominance to submission, and captivate the audience for the entire ride.

Director Sam Luptak should be applauded for having the guts to produce a risky show such as “The Lord of the Flies.” The heavy material would be daunting enough for some directors, but the young cast would dissuade even more from attempting to put the classic story on stage. Luptak may have the luck of having a talented cast, but he clearly has the skill to command them as well. His staging is simple and effective, and he uses the confined space of the Rust Belt Theater so that the stage rarely looks congested despite the large cast.

The set itself, designed by Rob Joki, is decorated simply with materials that have been recycled from past productions. The end look is primitive and crafty; the kind of set a group of 13-year-old boys would design, which is highly appropriate and symbolic of the world the boys are creating on their island.

Equally simple and appropriate are the costumes and makeup designed by Nicole Zayas.

“Lord of the Flies” will be performed at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Calvin Center, 755 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown; call 330-507-2358.