[NEohioPAL]Berko review: LINCOLNESQUE (Cleveland Play House)

[Roy Berko]

Play House’s LINCOLNESQUE delights audience,
especially those with blue state attitudes

Roy Berko

(Member, Dance Critics Association)

--THE TIMES NEWSPAPERS--

Lorain County Times--Westlaker Times--Lakewood News
Times--Olmsted-Fairview Times


With lines such as “Never was there a time when we
needed Lincoln more than now,” John Strand’s play
‘LINCOLNESQUE,’  is both current and topical.  

The show observes the machinations of the nations’
capital and its political inhabitants through the eyes
of two brothers: Leo, a speech writer for a
struggling, inept and boring congressional candidate;
and Francis, an intelligent and passionate individual,
who just happens to believe he's Abraham Lincoln. 
Well, maybe he believes he’s Lincoln and maybe he’s
crafty at playing that he is Lincoln.  

When Leo begins to use some of Lincoln’s historical
words for inspiration, as supplied by Francis, the
level of politics is raised to new ethical heights. 
There is actually a turn toward the truthful and the
honest.  Well,  at least from the standpoint of the
speeches being given.   In the process, Strand’s
pointed dagger digs deep into innuendos about the
present inept leader in the White House and members of
congress.

The term Lincolnesque is generally defined as “like or
characteristic of Abraham Lincoln: a Lincolnesque
compassion.”  That’s the definition, but don’t get the
idea that this is a play about the legacy of honest
Abe.  ‘LINCOLNESQUE’ is a comedy.  It is a highly
entertaining story of brothers who exasperate each
other, adversaries who step on each other, and
co-workers who spar—then sleep with—each other.

As delightful as many of the lines are, without superb
casting and on-target directing, the play could fall
flat.  Fear not.  CPH has a fine cast ,and under the
adept direction of Michael Bloom, the production is a
pleasant exploration.

This is one of those rare productions where every
actor seems well suited to and at ease in their roles.
As a result, you have a chemistry between the players
that allows for excellent comic timing.  The result is
that everyone, cast and audience, has a good time. 
(Of course if you are a member of those 70 or so
percent who have no confidence in Bush and company,
you’ll be totally delighted as the barbs pierce the
facade of “compassion” and “honesty.”) 

Donald Carrier, who plays Francis, doesn’t portray
Lincoln, but is an obvious nut case who thinks he’s
Lincoln.  His fake beard and deadpan delivery are
right on target.

Brian Carter, who looks and sounds like T. R. Knight
of TV’S “GRAY’S ANATOMY,” perfectly creates the role
of Leo, the insecure speech writer with enough
self-esteem issues to make the word “neurotic” seem
like an understatement in describing his psychological
state.

Tracey Conyer Lee has the attitude edge that makes her
a freight train, filled with blind ambition, who
doesn’t have the slightest idea of what she is doing
as a campaign manager.  The play’s laugh highlight is
her undressing the toady Leo as she seduces him.

Walter Charles is fine in the dual roles of Stanton,
Francis’ indigent friend, and Daly, a brash political
king maker.

Capsule judgement:  ‘LINCOLNESQUE’ is well paced,
well-conceived and well acted.  It is a delightful way
to start Fusionfest.  

Special appreciation to Roe Green, the honorary
producer of Fusionfest.  Roe, who is a former student,
does me proud each time she steps up to sponsor this
and many other Cleveland area arts projects.  Standing
ovation to ROE!

The play runs through May 20.  For tickets call
216-795-7000


Roy Berko's blog, which contains theatre and dance reviews from 2002 through 2007, as well as his consulting and publications information, can be found at http://royberko.info
      
Roy's theatre and dance reviews appear regularly 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.  His reviews also appear on www.coolcleveland.com


 
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