THE PLAY: A high-powered DC lawyer/politico ends up in jail, where he’s required to study Thoreau’s Walden; or, Life in the Woods.

THE PRODUCTION: This is a world premiere, so the play first. While playwright/director Andrew Gall certainly has a way with words (especially strings of expletive laden insults) this play feels over written and academic. It includes extended political rants and numerous long excerpts from the book, not a lot of personal background or development. The character is extremely angry for all of Act One, then becomes calm and resigned after an abrupt and not clearly delineated conversion (and intermission). As for the actor, Doug Blackburn never really inhabited the character, but manages to do the best he can with the profusion of words. There are 2 other actors who provide voices (Todd Labelle and Rudy Mitchell). Speaking of Labelle, his production design features a simple cell, a school desk and a wall phone, but his use of lighting and projections boosts the visual appeal. Along with Mark Messing’s sound design, the tech creates suggestions of nature. Gall’s direction manages to use the stage effectively, but there’s no emotional range in the drama. One script note: There’s a reference to Neil Armstrong landing on the moon in 1968. It happened in 1969. Running time: 2:10

THE POINT: This world premiere is too long and self-conscious, while actor Doug Blackburn does his best to make it work.

(2 / 5)

 

At Firehouse Theatre thru 6/26