‘Strange Snow’ has big impact

March 2, 2014 at 12:00a.m.

By Eric McCrea

Youngstown

“Where have all the flowers gone?” A sentimental lyric that proves pertinent not only for today’s post Afghanistan-Iraq era, but also in The Youngstown Playhouse’s post-Vietnam-era production, “Strange Snow,” written by Stephen Metcalfe.

This impactful play, which premiered in 1982, tells a story of strength in the face of the condition formerly known as shell-shock. When will we ever learn?

Megs, AKA Jackknife, AKA Joseph, played by Timothy Thomas, arrives at the Flanagan household in the early hours of opening day of trout season. Martha (Liz Conrad) reluctantly awakens to receive him, but her brother, David (C. H. Kettering), is less enthusiastic about the arrival of his war buddy. Trout, especially rainbow trout, proves to be an honest metaphor, tying into the biblical representation of the rainbow as a symbol of hope for days yet to come. As Martha develops a romance with Megs, David fights to keep his family safe, and find his own path.

One of the most insightful artists that Youngstown has to offer, director Christopher Fidram has assembled a cast of three of the best actors this reviewer has ever had the privilege to see on stage. At certain times, each actor outshines their counterparts, depending on the material they’re provided. This is not a terrible dilemma for any member of the audience.

Thomas shows great commitment to his character, with an ability to sway from light-hearted and happy-go-lucky to somewhat serious and extremely volatile in the blink of an eye. Throughout, it is apparent he’s hiding a deep hurt that eventually reveals itself. He carries much of the first act.

Kettering provides his character with a protective nature and sense of loss that is impressive, despite all the similar characters of this nature that have been put forth since the end of the ’70s. His performance is incredibly devastating in the second act.

Though this play has only two acts, one might not believe that there is room for Conrad to shine, but she manages to impress every step of the way. Her nuance is subtle and one of her comical strengths. As her character loses her mousy, schoolmarm look, she endears herself deeper and deeper into the hearts of the audience. Her capability to elicit an emotional response while silent would make the most hardened soul tear up.

Technically, this production is spot-on. The sound and light cues, though sparse, are intuitively precise. The set, designed by Jim Lybarger is extremely period appropriate, with the minor exceptions of a cassette player that has a ’90s look and a modern looking coffee maker, which can be excused because it had to actually function.

If this reviewer had to find any fault in this show, it would be that the character of Megs makes a dramatic shift from someone who needs to be protected, to one who is protecting. However, one is left with the feeling that maybe that was his plan all along.

This play is highly recommended, with fair warning that certain language and content may not be appropriate for younger audiences.

Strange Snow runs today and next Sunday at 2:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. For reservationsm, call 330-788-8739.