Review: A LIFE IN THE THEATRE Provokes Thought and Laughter

A LIFE IN THE THEATRE at Terrific New Theatre is a very interesting look at life backstage. Written by David Mamet and first produced in 1977, this play holds up well and is definitely true to form for Mamet in that it leaves much open to your interpretation, something intelligent theatre goers will enjoy.

When a play only has two characters (the stage manager gets involved some, but we'll get to that later) they had better be good. And are they ever!

Theatre veterans Barry Austin and Nick Crawford portray two actors, one young and one older, who have very different feelings towards their profession. Their differences show up in very funny and very thoughtful ways.

Barry Austin tones down his usual slapstick antics and gives a remarkable performance. He is sensitive and insightful as well as humorous playing Robert, the somewhat older actor who holds the theatre and its traditions and superstitions in high esteem. Robert is overly analytical, but Austin's smooth, soothing voice would make anything sound intelligent and important, although many of his musings are actually funny or inane. Overall, Austin is perfect in this role and I was so happy to see him have the chance to play something so nuanced.

Nick Crawford is an even bigger surprise to me. Although I have enjoyed everything I have seen him in, I was always under the assumption that he is older than he appeared last night. I couldn't tell you how old the guy is since he played a youthful and developing actor so well. As the show progressed he seemed to mature, just by his mannerisms and carriage.

The two came across as competitors and colleagues, adversaries and allies all at the same time. It was all very real from an actor's point of view where we are thrown into competition so often with the very people we call friends.

When the two discuss critics, I thought it so true that we are taken as the truth if we are complimentary and hacks when we dislike a work. It made me chuckle.

The funniest scenes, although one annoying audience member found everything hilarious, even the set changes, are the ones played to an imaginary audience upstage. As we watch from "backstage" the actors forget lines, miss cues, lose wigs and go through all of the mishaps that make performing in live theatre a scary and wonderful thing to do. I related to and laughed with the actors during these scenes.

Carl Stewart has done a great job of being very thoughtful in his direction, letting the actors and their talents be the focus with a minimal, yet effective set and good movement and flow from dressing room, to backstage to "on stage."

With a one act play that includes so many different snippets from the theatre, you have to endure many quick scene changes. These were handled by stage manager Kathleen Jensen who also ran the light board near the stage. Her calm and passive set changes did make me a little anxious at times. I am sure it was a character choice as she was humming and moving deliberately and slowly. I guess with so many changes, I just wanted her to move a little quicker, but that is a small point to what was a very enjoyable night of theatre.

A LIFE IN THE THEATRE is maybe not a play you have heard of before, but I think you will enjoy the backstage look at actors and the humorous and thoughtful look into what goes into a life lived on stage. You will not find better talent anywhere and the whole production comes in at about 70 minutes, so you have plenty of time to go out afterwards. It will give you great topics for conversation if you do. I actually might see it again, if I can find the time. It gave me that much food for thought.

A LIFE IN THE THEATRE runs at Terrific New Theatre from now until November 21, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 8 with matiness at 2:30 on November 8 and 15. Call 205-328-0868 or go to www.terrificnewtheatre.com for more information.

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