[NEohioPAL]Berko rerview: A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE (Beck), summer preview

[Roy Berko]

‘A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE’--little gem of a musical at
BECK; summer preview

Roy Berko
(Member, American Theatre Critics Association)

--THE TIMES NEWSPAPERS--
Lorain County Times--Westlaker Times--Lakewood News
Times--Olmsted-Fairview Times	

" Your Common Sense Tells You, 
Best Not Begin, But Your Fool Heart
Cannot Help Plungin' In
And Nothing and No One
Can Stand in Your Way
You Just Have to Love Who You Love"

This musical line from, ‘A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE,’
which is now on stage at Beck Center, is the central
theme of the 2003 Outer Critics Circle Award winner
for Best Off Broadway musical.  The script probes the
question, “What do you do when your feelings drive you
in one direction and your culture pushes you to
subvert those feelings for fear of the consequences?”

Written by ‘RAGTIME’ creators Terrence McNally, Lynn
Ahrens, and Stephen Flaherty the musical is based on
the 1994 Albert Finney movie of the same name.  The
group also authored  ‘ONCE ON THIS ISLAND’ and
‘SEUSSICAL.’

Set in early-1960s Dublin, ‘A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE’ 
tells the story of Alfie Byrne, an aging gay bus
conductor who has never acted on his sexual drives. 
He shares a sheltered home life with his sister who
thinks she can't marry until her brother, who she has
loved and protected since childhood, has a wife to
take care of him.  Alfie's yearnings for a meaningful
life finds release in reciting poetry to the bus
passengers (despite constant complaints from his
supervisor about the bus running late), and directing
plays for a group of amateur thespians at the local
church. His favorite poet and playwright is Oscar
Wilde, a well known “poof,” who paid dearly for his
sexual orientation, including being jailed for his
love of men.

Alfie thinks his life lacks import, but in reality he
has added much to the existence of many.  His reading
of poetry to his bus rider has, added verse and verve
to their humdrum commutes, and his play directing, no
matter how bad the end product, adds much to the lives
of others.  And, in the end, all of us, including
Alfie, recognize his significance. "He starts speaking
the truth about who he is and how he feels."  And, it
appears that he will heed the words of Oscar Wilde who
stated, “The only way to get rid of temptation is to
yield to it.”

This is not a blockbuster musical.  It is a small
quiet chamber-sized piece.  It fits perfectly into
Beck’s intimate studio theatre space.  Except for the
venue’s poor acoustics and a sometimes overly loud
orchestra, the blend of play and space work well.

Even the score is underwritten.  None of the sixteen
songs is a top 40-hit or has the makings of a classic.
 In spite of this, there is a nice blending of Irish
folk song and musical theatre pop.  Key among the
offerings is “Princess,” “The Cuddles Mary Gave,” and
“Tell Me Why.”

The Beck production, though a little long, is
well-paced by director Scott Spence.  He has blended
the cast into a believable ensemble.  Each cast member
develops a clear characterization.

As he has proven over-and-over, multi-Times Tribute
Award winner Matthew Wright (Alfie), is marvelous. 
Among the area’s very best musical theatre performers
(Beck’s ‘URINETOWN.’ ‘THE IMAGINARY INVALID,’ and ‘THE
FIX’), Wright develops a tender, emotionally wracked
character who draws great empathy from the audience. 
His renditions of “Love Who You Love” and “Welcome to
the World” are impassioned gems.

Lenne Snively is wonderful as Lily, Alfie’s sister. 
She has a glorious singing voice and develops both
nagging and empathy with equal effectiveness.  Her
rendition of “The Burden of Life” is the production’s
comic showstopper.  

Rob Mayes, who successfully portrayed the Stripper in
Beck’s ‘THE FULL MONTY,’ proves he is more than a
sculpted body.  His Robbie, the bus driver who Alfie
lusts after, is well-acted and Mayes displays a fine
singing voice.  His “The Streets of Dublin” is
compelling.

Patty Lohr, effectively develops the role of the unwed
yet pregnant Adele.  Her well performed “Love Who You
Love,” clearly carries the script’s message.

Though all the other members of the cast are
excellent, Rhoda Rosen, Leslie Feagan and George Roth
standout.
 
CAPSULE JUDGEMENT:   ‘A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE’ is one
of those small gems of a musical, which if performed
by a proficient cast and molded by a sensitive
director, can be an audience pleaser.  Beck’s
production has the cast and the director to make this
a winner!

‘A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE’ runs through June 25 at The
Beck Center for the Arts in Lakewood.  For ticket
information call 216-521-2540.

Summer theatre preview

Mercury Summer Stock:  RUTHLESS!  THE MUSICAL (June
17-25), ‘JUST SO’ (July 15-23), ‘CHILDREN'S LETTERS 
TO GOD’  (July 16, 19, 21, 23),  ‘JANE EYRE’ August
5-13.  Tickets:  216-771-5862 or
www.mercurysummerstock.com

Cain Park:  ‘KISS ME KATE’ (June 22-July 9), ‘HAIR’
(August 3-20).  Tickets 216-241-5555

Porthouse Theatre (Blossom Center):  ‘DAMES AT SEA’
(June 15 – July 1), ‘OUR TOWN (July 6–22), ‘JESUS
CHRIST SUPERSTAR’ (July 27–August 13th 2006.  Tickets:
 800-304 2362 or www.tix.com

Beck Center:  ‘LIES AND LEGENDS:  THE MUSIC OF HARRY
CHAPIN’ (June 23-23-July 23).  Tickets:  216-521-2540

Cleveland Public Theatre:  ‘FEFU AND HER FRIENDS’
(through June 17).  Tickets:  216 631-2727.

Carousel Dinner Theatre:  ‘GREASE’ (through July 1,
‘THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY (July 5-September 2, 2006.
330-724-9855.

Ensemble Theatre:  ‘NOCTURNE’ (through June 18). 
Tickets:  216-321-2930.

Playhouse Square Center:  ‘WICKED’ (June 21-July 9). 
Tickets:  216-241-6000 or www.playhousesquare.com


Roy Berko's web page can be found at www.royberko.info.  His theatre and dance reviews appear on NeOHIOpal, an on-line source.   To subscribe to this free service via the World Wide Web, visit http://lists.fredsternfeld.com/mailman/listinfo/neohiopal.

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