I am going to be “lazy” and/or “not reinvent the wheel” since I agree with her — and give you Oralya Garza’s detailed review of last night’s performance that she promptly wrote for the next Ripples newsletter. Her only bad note was on some sound-balance issues that seem to have been fully corrected at tonight’s performance. (The sound was integral and added dimension and context.)
Here’s what Oralya had to say:
As World War II rages in the background, theology and ideologies rage in two men who debate all of the elements that make us human. Humans continue to debate God or no God, pain and punishment, doubt and faith. As long as the struggle continues within us and we remain humans without clear answers, as long as we continue to muddle through life hoping there will be resolution, or are willing to make it up as we go, the script remains relevant. This is a thought provoking script. A joust, a debate, a dance where you are at first on one side, then you recognize your partner is actually leading.
While the story slowly opens, it quickly begins to simmer and then comes to a boil, rising with the passion of differing views, then resting again into the compassion and respect these two men have for each other. Building new ideas and compromises for each other, building...relationship.
Mike Hays (Sigmund Freud) was so believable it made me wonder who the portrait of the man on the program was. His portrayal was strong, consistent and drew you into the story. It is a point of interest for audience members to be able to watch a character "working it out" with their facial expressions, then smoothly having the dialogue confirm that the person you are watching, is who you think he is. We got to know Freud, and we got to like him.
Brian De Vries (C.S. Lewis) — what can I say? I guess you can go home again. Brian took the stage like a welcome breeze that swelled and receded as he kept time with the sometimes frustrating Freud. Brian returns to the stage after an eight-year absence. We have missed a lot in that time! Thank you for returning Brian, we hope to see more from you.
The two were paired well, matching each other in intensity, pace, emotion and engaging in a tug-of-war that was expertly choreographed by director Rob Roznowski. When I see Rob's name attached to any production, I have no fear of whether or not I will like it, I know that I'm going to leave the theatre with some gem in my pocket that I didn't have when I walked in. This show was no different.
Josiah Masvero (production designer) put us in the room. The way I would have imagined it, every small touch adding a necessary reminder of the period, of the status, creating a comfortable picture of Freud's study. I may have to hire him to design the layout for my house!
The sound design by Beth Lake (purchased from Dramatists Play Service) was excellent in content, but unfortunately very difficult for us to hear. There seems to be some problem with the level, which I sincerely hope is resolved, as this technology was the weakest point of the show. I couldn't help but feel I was missing some significant points because of what I could not hear.
Morgan Pohl (stage manager) kept the show running smoothly and got us started on time. Sounds small - but it's important and respectful to the audience - I appreciated it. I had the benefit of arriving early and watched Morgan doing all of the little preparatory things that a good stage manager does - though it might not be her job - and nobody in the audience really knows the extent of her efforts. Good job Morgan, great way to steward the show.
Morgan's dedication should not be a surprise to anyone though, she's had an experienced teacher. Scott Pohl acted as producer for this selection, and looked the part of a proud father, not just because of Morgan, but you could tell that he was proud of the show itself. And he should be - they all should be. It was a good show that I may need to see again, if only to try to decide which side of the arguments I'm really on.
Oralya Garza
Freud’s Last Session was NOT the “last” tonight but continues Thur - Sun through May 19, and is well worth 90 through provoking minutes of your time. Riverwalk’s Black Box stage is general seating, so get there early for best seats.
http://www.riverwalktheatre.com