Reviewed by Suzanne Angeo (member, American Theatre Critics Association; Member Emeritus, San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle), and Greg Angeo (Member Emeritus, San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle)
Photos by Bryan Clifford
A Riveting “Few Good Men”
Joe Danz (left), Chris Stepnitz (center)
In a timely move, Avon Players launched their production of “A Few Good Men” on Veterans Day, November 11. This absorbing show will be of special interest to veterans, the military and their families.
Created by fledgling playwright Aaron Sorkin (written on the backs of cocktail napkins while he was tending bar), “A Few Good Men” had its world premiere at the University of Virginia in September 1989. By the time it was first presented on Broadway two months later, Sorkin had already sold the film rights to Hollywood producer David Brown, on the condition that Brown also produce the play on Broadway. It ran for over a year (497 performances), and then the film went into production for a 1992 release. It’s arguable which version was more successful. But who can forget the iconic line “You can’t handle the truth!” bellowed by Jack Nicholson?
Joe Danz, Marie Burchi-Skipinski
Based on actual events, this intense courtroom drama centers on the approaching court martial of two U.S. Marines, Lance Corporal Harold Dawson and PFC Louden Downey, based at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. They may or may not have been falsely accused of the murder of a fellow platoon member, PFC William Santiago. Lieutenant Commander Jane Galloway, an investigator from the legal division of the Navy, arrives on the base with a suspicion that the two Marines may have actually carried out a “code red” retribution on Santiago, ordered by someone high up in the chain of command. She endures ridicule and sexist comments from the base commander, Colonel Nathan Jessep – and everyone else, it seems. She asks to defend Dawson and Downey, but to her bewilderment, an inept attorney is assigned to the case instead – Naval officer Lieutenant Daniel Kaffee. He has a reputation for being a flippant misfit (a Navy man who doesn’t like boats?), careless and too willing to accept plea deals. But Kaffee quickly discovers that Galloway may be on to something. He rises to the challenge, and risking redemption or ruin, he and Galloway begin to unravel the threads of a terrifying coverup.
The wordy, complex script reveals a compelling story that commands your full attention. Noteworthy in the cast: Joe Danz as Kaffee, skillfully evolving his character from a smart-aleck to a committed investigator; Matt Druminski in a vivid, emotional performance as the super-patriot Dawson; Marie Burchi-Skipinski as the doggedly determined Galloway; and Chris Stepnitz as Jessep, who has an especially intense stage presence.
Marie Burchi-Skipinski, Chris Stepnitz, Joe Danz
The simple set evokes a courtroom or a command office. Excellent lighting by Nick Frederick enhances the dramatic effect, putting some characters in shadow to drive the story. In Patrick Daniels’ directorial debut, there are good choices that utilize the space and movements of the actors, like making scene changes with lighting only (Example: Danz, as Kaffee, walks briskly across the stage as the lights change and – presto! – he seamlessly walks into a different office). There are impressive effects using silhouettes and voices of offstage actors in cadence calls between scenes. But some characters could be more clearly defined to help make the story easier to follow. And there was a certain lack of military uniformity and discipline in some actors’ portrayals. Some uneven performances allow the energy to sag a bit in places, but dramatic tension builds relentlessly throughout the show nonetheless.
Checking out “A Few Good Men” at Avon Players is a good way to celebrate our military, and enjoy a captivating story of conspiracy and the code of honor.
Matt Druminski, Kyle Kiesler, Jacob Rayl
Now through November 26, 2022
Tickets $25
Avon Playhouse
1185 Washington Rd
Rochester, MI 48306
(248) 608-9077
www.avonplayers.org
