victorian players Impeccable cast brings hilarious ‘Moonlight and Magnolias’ to life

By Eric McCrea

entertainment@vindy.com

Youngstown

Greatness isn’t easy, and Ron Hutchinson showed just how difficult it was to make the epic masterpiece “Gone with the Wind” in his hilarious play “Moonlight and Magnolias.”

Under the direction of Marlene Menaldi Strollo, The Victorian Players show the struggle that David O. Selznick, played by Terry Shears, faced when mounting the overwhelming task of producing one of the most-famous films to grace the silver screen.

Just a few weeks into production, Selznick has fired his director, filming has come to a halt, and he has called two colleagues in to completely rewrite the script in just five days. Director Victor Fleming, played by Nick Mulichak, was supposed to be finishing “The Wizard of Oz” but instead, he’s trapped in Selznick’s desperate attempt to save his reputation and dignity. Making the week even more challenging is the fact that writer Ben Hecht (Bill Finley) hasn’t even read the book.

As Fleming and Selznick act out the book so Hecht can type, they touch on subjects such as race, religion, politics, censorship and power, all wrapped in the warm embrace of a farce. Filled with insider references to old Hollywood, this behind-the-scenes look at the enormous effort of the cinematic process illuminates a week that could have been the undoing of “Gone with the Wind.”

Mulichak was amazing as the domineering and gruff Victor Fleming. He attacked the role like a calm Lewis Black. His physical comedy skills were put to the test, and he passed with flying colors. If this role wasn’t written for him, it should have been.

Shears was reliably incredible as the uproarious producer, struggling with his inner demons. He has the remarkable ability to fill the stage one second, then shrink to show his more vulnerable side the next. Both of these qualities served him very well as Selznick.

Finley shines as the typewriter jockey extraordinaire with a firm grip on the moral compass. His delivery was precise but subtle, leaving him plenty of room to explode at the perfect time.

Historical plays can easily lose the audience, even the comedies. Hutchinson’s script is well-written, but one minor flaw could unravel everything quickly. Fortunately, Strollo’s trio was impeccable. Their timing and pacing kept the show interesting and earned them an opening-night standing ovation.

Adding some much needed balance to the cast was Heleena P. Huncik. Although her role is brief and very repetitive, Huncik is a delight and shows amazing character work.

A great set with simple, but strong lighting were added features to a solidly delivered show. Any fan of Margaret Mitchell’s novel or the Hollywood translation should be sure to catch it.

“Moonlight and Magnolias” runs at 2 p.m. today and next Sunday and at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For reservations call 330-746-5455.