‘Dog Days’ is thoroughly engaging
By Lorraine Wardle
youngstown
Sometimes the truth is more amazing than fiction. J. E. Ballantyne Jr. knows this well, as he is the author of three plays about true World War II stories. His latest, “Dog Days,” premiered Friday at The Victorian Players Theater.
“Dog Days” tells the true story of Albert Wickline, a soldier from Salem, during World War II. The play was written, directed, and designed by Ballantyne. After hearing about Wickline from his granddaughter, Sara Klimenko, Ballantyne was inspired to tell the story.
Albert Wickline was an aviator in World War II. On Oct. 14, 1943, his plane was shot down in Nazi-occupied France. Louie Meraud, a farmer, and his son, Marcel, found Wickline unconscious in a ditch and took him home.
It was extremely dangerous for the Meraud family to help Wickline, but they knew that he would be captured and possibly killed if they didn’t. So they hid Wickline in their barn as the Nazis searched for him.
For the next year, Wickline lived with the Merauds and became a part of their family. Usually, he slept and hid in the barn where he befriended their unfriendly dog. Whenever a stranger approached the farm, the dog would bark, warning Wickline and the family.
Ballantyne took some artistic liberties with his script, adding even more drama to the already dramatic story. In the play, the Meraud family is part of the French resistance and works to undermine the Nazis in their town. In reality, Ballantyne says there is no evidence to support this idea.
But there were more than enough true events in this harrowing story. The Nazis searched the Meraud’s home five times, never finding Wickline. They also eventually took over the farm, and Wickline lived among them, pretending to be the Meraud’s deaf, mute son.
Davin Stilson was a natural as the young aviator Wickline. He was passionate and torn as he tried to help both the Meraud family and himself. Bill Shorr’s Louie was strong and calm in the face of adversity. As Marie, his wife, Gerri Jenkins was full of resolve and intensity.
Their daughter Denise, played by Camille Rose Smith, was a sweet girl whose innocence was shattered by the horrors she experienced. Brian Root, as son Marcel, was quiet and reserved, but equally determined.
Gary Deckant and Thomas Lee Ewen played German generals who interrogated the Merauds. Each man carried himself with a confident air and gruff demeanor. Each also used a German accent that was both convincing and easy to understand. Also very good was Ryan Newell as the Meraud’s neighbor, Phillipe.
Ballantyne’s script, though a little long, was thoroughly engaging. The audience was clearly moved by the story of Wickline and the Meraud family. The dramatic moments were intense and emotional. Ballantyne also added some humor that kept the play realistic and fresh and made the dramatic scenes even more so.
Ballantyne’s designs, from the lighting of the unit set to the music choices, worked perfectly to create a tense and ominous mood throughout the play.
“Dog Days” continues at 2 p.m. today, next Sunday and Aug. 5; and at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and Aug. 3 and 4 at The Victorian Players Theater, 702 Mahoning Ave. For tickets, call 330-746-5455.