|
Regional Reviews: Connecticut and the Berkshires Regional Reviews by Zander Opper A Few Good Men Also see Fred's reviews of Once, Kiss Me, Kate and Butler
And, even if you are familiar with the popular 1992 film version with Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson (and its outcome), this production is still worth a trip to the Downtown Cabaret Theatre to see. Through most of the show, it is almost difficult to breathe, as the play hurtles through its two acts, to its explosive conclusion. A Few Good Men, as presented by the Bridgeport Theatre Company, proves to be a truly stunning theatrical experience that demands to be seen. What's so amazing, in particular, about this production is how authentic the entire show feels. The plot concerns the trial of two marines who are accused of killing one of their comrades and the attempt of three lawyers to defend them and get to the bottom of the increasingly complicated case. With the combination of an ideal set design by Kevin Pelkey, incisive lighting by Phill Hill, and costume designer Jessica Camarero's perfect uniforms for the cast, A Few Good Men truly conjures up the time and place of the show: 1986 in various locations in Washington, D.C. and the United States Naval Base in Guantanomo Bay, Cuba. Director Eli Newsom is quite a master at staging this intricate, suspenseful, and deeply satisfying play and the entire show is directed within an inch of its life. A Few Good Men is also blessed with a top notch cast, down to the smallest role. In the leading role of Lt. Daniel Kaffee, the main lawyer for the defense, Glenn Ghirardi is a marvel as he matures from a smug, somewhat unlikable officer to the real hero of the play as he defends the two marines on trial. Julie Petrak matches her costar perfectly as Lt. Joanne Galloway, the female lawyer uneasily brought into the case by Internal Affairs. She gives a terrific and highly nuanced performance. Stanley Geter and Eric Regan make a strong impression as the two marines on trial and Larry Gabbard is endearing and appealing as the third lawyer for the defense. In flashback scenes, Joe Cardozo is heartbreaking as the victim William Santiago, and Eric Dino is quite striking as Captain Matthew Markinson, who goes to extreme lengths to uncover the real story behind the trial. In the most imposing role, that of Lt. Col. Nathan Jessup, Will Jeffries is simply sensational and manages to battle the memory of Jack Nicholson in the film version. That Will Jeffries makes the part entirely his own is a testament to everyone involved. This production is often heartstoppingly good and, even if the show needs a slight bit of tightening toward the conclusion, director Eli Newsom and the Bridgeport Theatre Company otherwise get everything right. This A Few Good Men manages to be a real white knuckle experience, even for those, like me, who already know what the outcome will be. A Few Good Men continues performances at the Downtown Cabaret Theatre in Bridgeport, CT through May 31, 2015. For tickets, please visit www.BridgeportTheatre.org or call the box office at (203) 576-1636.
|
