BWW Reviews: Denver Center's THE CATCH

The Catch receives its first full production after being read at the Colorado New Play Summit in February 2010. The play, inspired by the true events surrounding Barry Bonds' record-breaking home run ball in 2001, tells the story of Gary Zipnik, a failed dot-commer who has lost his wife, his house and his company. As a superstar slugger approaches his chance to break the single-season home run record, Gary crunches the numbers to determine just where to sit in the stadium to catch that ball and, with the earnings of the ball's sale, get his life back. The Catch is an examination of family relationships, the cult of sports celebrity, fallen idols and the relentless optimism tied up in the American dream.

Ian Merrill Peakes really shines in the lead as the fatalistic optimist ,Gary Zipnik. Pun Bandhu as Michael Normura, in his Denver Center debut, did a wonderful job as the play's conflicted antagonist. Also making his Denver Center debut was Nicoye Banks, as the fun and energetic, Darryl Love (the character based on Barry Bonds). He was the unofficial emcee and really helped to drive the plot. The entire cast did an amazing job, but two members really stole the show with very humorous and touching portrayals.- Mike Hartman as Gary's father, Sid and Wai-Ching Ho, playing Michael's baseball-loving mother.

It is interesting to think about the double entendre that is the underlying theme and title of the play. If you could catch one of the most famous balls in history (but there's a catch), would you be able to live with the consequences and end result no matter how uplifting or devastating they may be? This show truly shows us the strife and sacrifices one must do to live the American Dream.

The stadium-style seating (or theater in the round for us theater folk) in the Space Theater of the Denver Center was the perfect setting for a baseball-themed play. Even with this unique setup and challenge, the cast really utilized every angle of the stage. Special recognition needs to go out to the lighting designer, Jane Spencer and scenic designer, James Krozner for an amazing set and very innovative lighting effects. I really enjoyed the subtleness of the bases that are symbolized throughout the set. It made me feel that the underlying theme was that everyone was running the bases trying to get to home plate and score. This seems very reflective to real life, where everyone is trying to score a home run.

I am not going to be cheesy and say that this play is a "home-run"...oh wait....I just did, cause it is so true!  I will say that I love when a good play comes together! The Catch does just that through an exceptional cast, a relatable script, wonderful and modern set and lighting design, and all under the direction of newcomer Lou Jacob. This is the one show of the Denver Center's fantastic season that is not to be missed  and I am sure that Ken Weitzman's fantastic script will be showing up in NYC sooner than we think!

The Catch is currently playing now until February 26^th at the Space Theater of the Denver Center. For tickets or more information, please call 303-893-4100 or visit www.denvercenter.org.

 Photo Credits:  Terry Shapiro

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