Bogosian's 'Talk Radio' At The Players' Ring Has As Many Characters Off-stage As On-stage

Sorry, but you wont be able see most of the characters in "Talk Radio," opening Feb. 15 at the Players' Ring in Portsmouth. Not Larry or Arnold, nor Fred or Francine. Not even the troubled teen Debbie or the Nazi racist Chet.

Most of the 20 or so characters in this dark and thought-provoking play by Eric Bogosian are off-stage voices calling into a controversial radio talk show hosted in Cleveland, Ohio.

One person, however, who you will see loud and clear is Barry Champlain, the late night host who is played by Rob Carroll of Newburyport, also the producer of "Talk Radio".

"More than half cast plays multiple voice characters, callers who we hear but do not see," Carroll said. "They are all in a circle around the microphone off stage, which means you probably would love seeing what's behind the scenes as much as what's on stage."

Of course the audience won't see what's behind the stage, but they will be given a taste of the challenges facing seven actors cast into myriad off-stage roles.

"Often as actors we are reliant on the body language of our fellow performers to help us develop a scene or character," according to director Joi Smith, who is also the producer liaison at Players' Ring."It becomes a little more challenging when you are not able to have eye contact or be in the space with them and it's all just auditory."

Constance Witman of Newfieds, a 40-something actor who plays 10 callers raging in age from 16 to 50, hopes the audience will be able to visualize her characters, even if they can't see them on stage.

"For the different characters I play, I can see what they look like, what they are wearing and what their surroundings might be like," Witman said. "As an actor you hope your voice gives those images to the audience as well."

Carroll has wanted to see a stage production of "Talk Radio" ever since he learned seven years ago that Bogosian's movie had been made into a play. Finally, he ordered the script and decided to put it on himself.

"I sat and read it at home and I said I have to do this show," he recalled.

An experienced actor and director who is taking on his first producing role with this play, Carroll was thrilled when the Players' Ring accepted his proposal. He cast himself in the lead role to build on feedback from directors who have told him he has a great speaking voice.

Carroll is also intrigued with the lead character's complex personality.

"It's kind of a mystery as to who he is," Carroll said. "It's funny 'cause there is a little of him in everybody. He goes on the air and basically treats everyone as if they are equally worthless. One guy he trashes because he is too liberal and then the next minute he is trashing another guy who is too conservative."

Although the play takes place in the 1980s, Carroll believes it is just as relevant today, in the world of social media.Whether on the radio then, or on the computer now, Carroll noted, "You are talking to faceless people so you feel free to spout out whatever comes to mind."

"Talk Radio" will be performed Feb. 15 to March 3 at the Players' Ring Theatre at 105 Marcy St. in Portsmouth with shows Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 3 pm. Tickets are $18 with discounts for students, seniors, and Players' Ring members. Reservations can be made at playersring.org or 603-436-8123.

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