Reviewed by Sue Nedar
The current offering from The Arctic Playhouse is, David Mamet’s A Life In The Theatre.
A 1977 two-person dramedy which examines the relationship between two stage actors; Robert, the more seasoned actor, and John, the relative newcomer. Written in a series of short scenes, the audience witnesses an evolution of the dynamics between the two actors, as slowly we see the rise of one, and fall of the other.
Under the skillful direction of Tony Annicone, the play moves along at a brisk pace, keeping the audience invested throughout the two-act performance. Annicone gets good performances from his actors, who bring out the sometimes subtle comedy written into the script.
The elder, more senior actor Robert, is played by W. Richard Johnson who brings just the right level of obnoxious smarminess to his character. The only thing Robert enjoys more than the sound of his own voice, is hearing how well he did on stage. Johnson, utilizing his ample skills, delivers a character who is simultaneously full of pomposity, and full of insecurity, as he in turn preaches at his young cast mate, and then pleads for validation from him. Kudos to Johnson who succeeds in eliciting first dislike, and ultimately sympathy from his audience.
Playing opposite Johnson, in the role of John, is Alvaro Beltran. When we first meet John, he is Robert’s wide-eyed, star struck, second banana. Slowly, we witness John develop into a self-confident actor with far less tolerance of Robert’s pontifications. Beltran masterfully evolves his character onstage, and he is able to express volumes with his simple utterance of the repeated, “uh huh” to Robert’s blathering.
Together, Beltran and Johnson create the perfect chemistry necessary to pull off this two character study in egos and theatre; which, by the way, is a very real phenomenon.I am always interested in the technical aspects of a production, and this one is challenging! With twenty-something short scenes, multiple costume changes, and essentially no time to get them done, they make it happen!
A Life In The Theatre runs January 31st through February 17th
The Arctic Playhouse
117 Washington Street
West Warwick, RI
401-573-3443 or www.thearcticplayhouse.com
