43
The Victorian Players ‘Days of Wine and Roses’ features nearly flawless cast
By Eric McCrea
Youngstown
All too often, alcohol is glorified in commercials, movies, and television, but The Victorian Players show us the pitfalls of alcoholism in their latest production, “Days of Wine and Roses.”
Written by J.P. Miller and originally performed on live television in 1958, the story has not lost any relevance almost 60 years later. We begin with Joe Clay (Carl Brockway), a public-relations man, whose job requires him to “entertain” clients, a skill at which he is particularly adept. He meets the lovely Kirsten Arnesson, played by Brandy Johanntges in her Vic debut. Joe introduces Kirsten to chocolate liqueur, and before you know it, they’re married with a daughter.
As the years progress, Joe faces problems with his career and home life, eventually leading to a hospital stint and sobriety. Kirsten fears the stigma of the word “alcoholic” more then she fears the consequences of the disease, creating a schism in their marriage.
Though the first act was slightly cumbersome, the story picks up in the second act, turning into a real redemption for the Vic. By the third act, the audience is completely engrossed. Anyone who’s dealt with alcoholism in their personal life will be taken to a place that is far from comfortable.
Brockway is stellar in the lead role. He goes from drunkenly arrogant to rock bottom and struggling with ease and has no trouble gaining the support of viewers in his strife. He is especially powerful in the second act greenhouse scene.
If he is out-acted by anyone, it would be the fabulous Johanntges. She has a Nicole Kidman quality that can’t be ignored. Her performance is gripping, gritty, and brutally honest. Wow. Just wow.
Glenn Stevens is perfect in the role of Mr. Arnesson. The widower, father, and grandfather comes off as strong in face of everything, a fierce defender of his loved ones, but Stevens imbues the part with the subtle subtext of a man mourning the loss of the daughter he used to know, while doing his best to provide her unwavering support.
Frank G. Martin provides admirable support as Jim Hungerford, the AA sponsor of Joe Clay. Martin provides a sense of comfort that, in the darkest times, there is help available, someone who’s seen it all before.
Credit also must be given to Cheri DeGregory, who not only played her intended roles of Molly and a party girl, but also filled in for Gerri Jenkins as Mrs. Nolan and Nell. As Mrs. Nolan, she provides some much needed comedic moments and also triggers a turning point in the show.
Also worthy of note are Mike Brady as the man in the audience, and the young Hannah Planey as Debbie Clay. Both of them greatly enhanced the emotional aspects of the plot.
Though the cast was all but flawless, there were a variety of technical issues that marred this show. Scene changes continue to be an issue for the Vic, and the lack of true blackouts hurt the show, pushing the envelope of the fourth wall. A few minor light and sound issues were hopefully just opening night glitches. Overall, this show is a must-see.
“Days of Wine and Roses” runs at 2 p.m. today, next Sunday and June 22 and at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday and June 20 and 21. For reservations call 330-746-5455.