Berkshire Theatre Group, Stockbridge, MA
through August 30, 2014
by Walt Haggerty
 |
| Photo by Emily Faulkner |
How could a play first produced in the 1950's be as timely,
riveting and shocking today as when launched - perhaps even more so?
The focus of Michael V. Gazzo’s flawlessly written “A Hatful
of Rain,” as produced by Berkshire Theatre Group, is on Johnny Pope, a veteran
who has become a drug addict, initially because of medication prescribed during
his recovery from wounds received during the Korean War.
The role of Johnny Pope, as unforgettably portrayed by Tommy
Scheider, travels a tortuous path of taut desperation, loss and ultimately,
hope. As Johnny’s pregnant wife Celia, Megan Ketch is equally brilliant in her
confusion and frustration, attempting to learn what has happened to her husband
and their marriage.
Greg Keller, as Johnny’s brother Polo, is outstanding as the
brother who always has to settle for second place, but is always there to
comfort, support and rescue other family members. Stephen Mandilo, as the
mostly absent father, gives vent to his disapproval by blaming Polo for
Johnny’s desperate situation, without ever accepting, or even recognizing, his
own failures.
The trio of menacing drug dealers deliver portrayals of
consummate evil in action: Triney Sandoval, ironically identified as “Mother;”
the kingpin, Chris Bannow, as “Apples;” and Cornelius Davidson, as
“Chuch." Their participation at times provides flashes of sardonic humor
as well as terror. Davidson’s role, as a mistreated African-American and
reluctant participant, is the most sympathetic. “Mother” specializes in
terrorizing, while Bannow’s “Apples” is frighteningly bizarre. In a scene
showing the group, accompanied by an out-of-control Michelle McGregor, as Putski,
all are in “high” humor until terror comes dangerously close to boiling over.
The fine-tuned, meticulous direction of Greg Naughton
deserves much of the credit for this exceptional revival of what should
deservedly rank as one of the peaks of this theatre season. The Berkshire
Theatre Group must be commended for bringing this amazing production to the
region. Hopefully, future audiences will fill the theatre, which was
regrettably well below capacity on opening night. This cast demands
"Standing Room Only” attendance, and those who do attend will be greatly
rewarded.
