Sunday, February 22, 2015
By Eric McCrea
Salem
Staging a drama can be risky, especially when it’s been made into a well-known film, but that wasn’t the only challenge facing the Salem Community Theatre in its latest production, “A Few Good Men.”
Written by Aaron Sorkin, the play is about two Marines who are on trial for a hazing incident that resulted in death. Their arrest draws the attention of naval investigator Lt. Cmdr. Joanne Galloway, played by Allyson DePanicis, and she asks to represent them at their trial. Instead, the higher-ups assign reluctant Navy attorney Lt. J. G. Daniel Kaffee (Carl Brockway), who has never defended anyone in a courtroom.
The legal pair meets resistance from Lt. Col. Nathan Jessep (Chuck Simon) while gathering evidence from their clients’ former base. However, a surprising whistleblower helps the truth surface.
DePanicis delivers a stern performance of the lawyer who lives by the books, but her staunch professionalism caused the character to be somewhat underdeveloped.
Bob Grier is intense as Lt. Jonathan James Kendrick. Even more frightening than his size and intimidating presence is his fanatical, unwavering loyalty.
Simon is tremendously detestable as the antagonist. His powerful performance as the lecherous commanding officer makes you look forward to his downfall. Without him, there isn’t much reason to root for the heroes.
Brockway falters in the role of lead counsel. Instead of coming off as a cad, he feels more like a goofy slacker. His energy was a bit flat, obscuring any character transformation. When his buttons are being pushed and he starts to realize how he’s being manipulated, there isn’t a discernable change in his drive. It’s as if he just goes with it because that’s what he’s supposed to do.
Gary Barringer was peculiarly haunting as the guilt-ridden Capt. Markinson. Jimmy Rosan impressed as well, with a strong showing in the court-martial scenes as prosecutor Lt. Jack Ross.
Also drawing some notice were Tim Gottschling as Kaffee’s assistant, Curtis Kerner as defendant Lance Cpl. Harold Dawson, and director Bill Finley stepping into the role of Cpl. Jeffrey Owen Howard.
The play uses flashbacks to piece together the events of the night in question, and the clever set designed by Finley and Mark Frost makes great use of the space. When combined with terrific lighting design by Barry Hinchliffe Jr. scene transitions went smoothly and quickly.
The microphones had a tendency to pick up a lot of footsteps and shuffling, which was a distraction. Dialogue was an issue for most of the cast. Some big pauses and noticeably flubbed lines did not mesh well with Sorkin’s writing style. As a group, they seemed to lack confidence with the script, and it prevented them from ever hitting their stride.
“A Few Good Men” runs at 2 p.m. today and next Sunday and at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For reservations, call 330-332-9688.