A Knockout Production
January 18, 2008
Local critic Betty Mohr Southtown Star
Originally a 1957 teleplay by Rod Serling, "Requiem for a Heavyweight" punches out the competition in a glorious revival by Shattered Globe Theatre, being staged at Victory Gardens Greenhouse.
Although it was adapted into a 1962 movie, the work rarely has been presented on stage. Maybe that is because some believed it to be dated.
But, under Lou Contey's masterful direction and with an extraordinary ensemble, this drama is so fresh, so down-to-the-bone real and so profoundly honest that it takes your breath away.
Most who are familiar with Serling as the brilliant mind who created "The Twilight Zone" loved the magical twists and turns of the science fiction series.
But it was Serling's talent for capturing the humanity and morality of his characters that made his work so appealing, and which comes across clearly in this intense and forceful presentation.
With its true-to-life bloody fight scenes that are the most authentic I have seen on a stage (expertly devised by Nick Sandys), its on-spot delivery of profane, streetwise dialogue and its profound performances, this winning production packs a fierce emotional wallop that takes you right into the prizefighting arena.
The story centers on Harlan McClintock (a heart-searing portrayal by Sean Sullivan), a prizefighter who was almost heavyweight champion of the world.
Aptly known by the nickname "Mountain," the big guy, who hails from Tennessee, has lost a fight and is forced to retire at 33 years old. The unhappy lug, who believes his looks are repellent, has not known anything but the prizefighting culture all his life.
He does not know what to do outside the boxing ring, until he meets Grace (sweet Paula Stevens), a kind social worker who builds him up with unrealistic expectations about becoming a summer camp coach working with children.
Rough reality dashes his hopes when McClintock's former manager, Maish (a stunning performance by Bill Bannon) has to find a way to repay some mobsters.
Ignoring a gut-wrenching sense of right and wrong, Maish turns his back on the fighter who was his friend and fought so hard for him.
Others who contribute to this knockout production include a terrific Brian McCartney as trainer Hake, Scott Aiello as a hustling promoter, and Jamie Vann as the obnoxious wrestling matchmaker Perelli.
Theater does not get much better than this. Run to see it.
|
