Thursday, February 20, 1997
THEATER:
Mamet’s take on cynical establishment runs at Odyssey TheatreBy
Sam Toussi
Daily Bruin Contributor
Given the Hollywood background of David Mamet’s
"Speed-the-Plow," it’s a wonder the show is not performed in Los
Angeles on a year-round basis. Mamet’s energetic, cynical take on
the inner workings of the Hollywood establishment has now found a
home at the Odyssey Theatre Ensemble in Santa Monica. Ten years
after its original run in New York, the production will run until
March 23.
In the play, Charlie (Jack Stehlin) gets the opportunity of a
lifetime when Doug Brown, a major film star, decides to attach
himself to a script that Charlie represents. Charlie immediately
takes the offer to his friend Bob (Casey Biggs) who has not only
recently been promoted, but also has the luxury of having Charlie
at his beck and call for 11 years. Mamet then applies his
perspective on American business to the Hollywood industry.
Mamet makes use of his usual spiral storytelling, going in
circles to slowly expand the plot. But it is the
testosterone-driven charm of the play and the actors that make it
work.
His dialogue shows the audience a world where men use the word
"fuck" at least once per sentence, sometimes two, depending on
their mood. Mamet’s stories also flow with the prospects of power
and control and when his characters lose that control, the plays
become even more interesting. The characters in "Speed-the-Plow"
follow this trait, desiring power even if they have to fake it.
Yet, Mamet’s male bonding bravado is a joy to watch only when it
is handled by actors who have a certain chemistry. Stehlin and
Biggs almost ooze with that chemistry. They draw the audience into
their friendship and keep their attention throughout the
performance.
It’s Stehlin who steals the show (his character is almost
designed to), but not in a conventional way. He doesn’t change
character halfway through the show, which would be the easy choice.
Instead, he draws the audience along, showing small portions of his
dark side, not only to explain himself but to expand the character.
His commitment to character consistency is part of his honest
portrayal that drives the character and makes him seem to be
(especially in the climax) the one who’s most tangible and most
real. Every emotion he feels, the audience feels right along with
him.
Biggs also skillfully develops his character. He shows himself
to be a man who has been calmed in one sense by his recent
promotion but who is also disturbed by it. Unfortunately for Biggs,
when the climax comes, we don’t feel his loss, his pain or any of
his emotions. Throughout most of the play, his performance churns
but when it comes to the end, he seems unusually stale.
Stacy Solodkin, who plays Karen, the temp secretary for Bob,
salvages her weak, stereotyped role, seeming at once too naive to
play with Charlie and Bob but too clever to let them get away with
anything.
The play progresses at a quick and entertaining pace. Under
Elina de Santos’ direction, the play almost feels cinematic as she
takes one character completely out of the action at times to give
another actor’s monologue more focus. De Santos shows an
understanding of Mamet’s work that lends itself to the exciting
pace of the play. Her interpretation of Mamet’s vernacular and
speed make the play flow at a quick legato.
While not as complex or riveting as Mamet’s masterpiece
"Glengarry Glen Ross," "Speed-the-Plow" is just as entertaining and
probably more timeless, considering the subject matter.
THEATER: "Speed-the-Plow" plays at the Odyssey Theatre Ensemble
through March 23. Tickets are $18.50 to $22.50. Student rush
tickets are available. For more information, call 477-2055.
Ron Sossi
Jack Stehlin (left) and Casey Biggs in David Mamet’s
"Speed-the-Plow."