[NEohioPAL] Berko review: GOLDSTAR, OHIO (Cleveland Public Theatre)

[Roy Berko]

Emotionally
draining ‘GOLDSTAR, OHIO’ at CPT, theatre and dance previews
 
Roy Berko
 
(Member,
American Theatre Critics Association)
 
--THE TIMES
NEWSPAPERS--
 
Lorain
County Times--Westlaker Times--Lakewood News Times--Olmsted-Fairview Times  
 
--coocleveland.com—
 
Being
in the audience opening night at the world premiere of ‘GOLDSTAR, OHIO’ at
Cleveland Public Theatre was a surreal experience.  Many of those in the sold out crowd were wearing pictures or
badges with the facial images of members of the 325th Marine unit who were
killed in the Iraq war during the first week of August, 2005.
 
‘GOLDSTAR,
OHIO’ is a play based on interviews conducted with the families of the fallen
marines.  Four families continued
to speak to Michael Tisdale, the interviewer and author of the play for
two-and-a-half years after the original in-take of information.  They are the center of the script.  The result is an in-time and personal
revelation which, at times, becomes emotionally draining.
 
The
first act lays the foundation of what happened.  The second act, reveals reactions to and experiences
following the killed Marines bodies arriving home. 
 
Unfortunately,
the play is at least forty-five minutes too long.  It’s too bad that most of the excess is in the second
act.  But, it is also there that
the words of families twist the heart.   Jill Levin speaks words which rip into George W. Bush
and his failed policy of taking the country into a senseless war which has
resulted in over 4000 American deaths and multiple mental and physical
injuries.   I can’t perceive
anyone sitting through that speech and not be repulsed by the actions of this
administration and all those who support and supported the Iraq war.  As the script states, “The casualties
and fatalities of war will affect our communities for years to come.”
 
The
cast, who play numerous roles, is universally excellent.  This is a unit cast performing as a
unified team.   Applause to
Jill Levin, Anne McEvoy, Dana Hart, Justin Tatum, Sarah Marcus, Bob Goddard,
Casey Spindler, and Chuck Tisdale for a job well done.
 
Some
might fear that the play may be too graphic.  Be aware that there are no events that show the actual
deaths.  In addition, there is
comedy that relieves the stress.
 
Kudos
to Director Andy Paris, who, in his initial directing experience, did a
masterful job.  His stage pictures
were involving.  The creative use
of the set was symbolically strong.  Bows to Trad Burns for both the set and lighting design. 
 
Capsule judgement:   “GOLDSTAR, OHIO,’ in spite of its
excessive length, is a compelling and meaningful presentation.  It’s a go see!
 
‘GOLDSTAR,
OHIO’ runs through November 8.  For
tickets call 216-631-2727 or go on line to www.cptonline.org
 
 
UPCOMING EVENTS
 
Cleveland Public Theatre:  (ww.cptonline.org or 216-631-2727)
‘BOOM,’ Peter Sin Nachtrieb’s comedy about a female journalism
student who seeks an intensely significant coupling.
 
‘THE SANTALAND DIARIES,’ David Sedaris’ experience of working at
Macy’s as a Christmas Elf!
 
‘CRUMBLE’  (lay me
down, Justin timberlake),’ is Sheila Callaghan’s quirky new comedy about an old
house and a 12 year old who Christmas wish lists includes bleach, paraffin and
bomb-making materials. 
 
Verb Ballets All Stars!
Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Verb Ballets and Cincinnati
Ballet perform works of Balanchine, Dove, Hickman-Matlock and Cortez on Friday,
October 24 at 8 p.m. in PlayhouseSquare.
 
Groundworks
GroundWorks
Dancetheater continues its 10thanniversary season celebrating the company’s commitment to new dance with the
Cleveland premieres of three exciting works, as the company returns to Trinity
Cathedral Nov. 7 through Nov. 9.  Friday and Saturday performances
begin at 8 p.m.  Sunday matinee at 3 p.m.  General admission tickets
are $20; senior and student discounts are $15.  Special discounts are
available for Trinity Cathedral Members.  For tickets and information call
216-691-3180 extension #2.
 
 
 Roy Berko's blog, which contains theatre and dance reviews from 2001 through 2008, as well as his consulting and publications information, can be found at http://royberko.info

His reviews can also be found on www.coolcleveland.com and NeOHIOpal (to subscribe visit http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/neohiopal.)


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