Rounding Third Hits a Homer
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Kernion, Symons
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By Joseph N. Feinstein
The motivations used by a playwright to write a play come from many sources. For his latest play, appearing at the Colony Theatre in Burbank, Richard Dresser tells us that
"Philosophically..., little league should be fun and the kids should be encouraged to progress at their own speed...and yet, when I found myself actually coaching, I discovered that I wanted to win. I really wanted to win!"
And so, in his play which just wrapped at the Colony Theatre after a successful five week run, Mr. Dresser coalesced all his thoughts about the subject and created Don (Jerry Kernion), a coach whose only raison d'etre was to win and Michael, Mike, Mikey, (Kevin Symons), his assistant coach whose mission it was to bring joy to the kids playing the game. Like water and oil or Felix and Oscar, these two points of view are just not going to make it together.
The brash, single-minded, stressed-out coach is superbly played in voice, tone, posture, and paint-soiled garb that could only be topped by Jackie Gleason; in fact, Mr. Kernion has resurrected the "Great One" for his two-hour stint upon the stage. Symons portrayal takes on the kind, gentle, tones of a pleasant Will Ferrell, whom he resembles.
The annoyances, conflicts, double-entendres, lack of trust, and psychological differences existing between them creates the juice of the play. There are many laughs and, due to some insightful writing offered up at just the right moment, a few touching, revealing moments are played out. "You and I don't know each other well enough, Mike, not to talk," says Don. Or in another moment Don screams, "You think it's easy being me?"
Further revelations are made in Act 2 which help solidify the relationship, bringing these two disparate people together and ultimately giving the audience satisfaction as they depart.
There is basic truth to the play, no matter in whichever locale it appears. Mr. Dresser has attended to his task beautifully. The set design by David Potts is simple and helps keep our attention on the dialogue. Don Guy's lighting is most effective as he moves the lights, helping keep our attention where it should be. And special kudos to Andrew Barnicle's superb direction in accentuating the positive, eliminating the negative, and keeping our attention focused on Don and Michael. These two people on the big Colony stage use all of it so well under Barnicle's sharp eye.
It was a good play and I'll have to work a bit harder at getting to them earlier in the run. I have a feeling it may just reopen somewhere soon!
Rounding Third The Colony Theatre 555 N. Third Street Burbank 91502
818-558-7000 Next Production "The Thousandth Night" by Carol Wolf June 13 through July 15
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