Suffield Players, Suffield, CT
through May 16, 2015
by Shera Cohen
During these three weeks at the end of the community theatre
season, musical offerings seem infinite. Toss in a couple of comedies, and the
dozen troupes in the Pioneer Valley are mighty busy. Why, then, would anyone
seek out a heavy-duty drama as a choice of entertainment? In the case of
“Hearts,” perhaps a substitute for “entertainment” should be “experience.”
Playwright Willy Holtzman’s work is an emotional ride for its
lead character and empathetic journey for its audience. The story’s focal point
is Donald Waldman, whose life is viewed pre-WWII, during, and after. The set’s
center point begins at a card table where Donald and three war buddies play
their regular game of Hearts. Of course, “hearts” serves as a somewhat
metaphor, as Waldman slowly exposes his heart to others, and they to him.
The piece is a tour-de-force performance for whoever is cast
as Donald. Konrad Rogowski, one of Suffield’s stalwart members, puts oftentimes-irreverent
passion into every syllable of dialog and nuance of movement. Rogowski becomes
Waldman, as his character shifts from remorse to laughter, from struggles to
joy in his two hour soliloquy.
Ed Bernstein, Wesley Olds, and Gio Castellano -- completing
the foursome -- each portray numerous roles as the eras and settings change.
The actors take on these responsibilities well and seemingly instantaneously.
Kudos to them and to Tammy Young Cote, also in multiple roles.
While director Jeffrey Flood’s pacing during Act I is a tad
slow, Act II makes up for it. Many of the combat scenes are very well
choreographed, as is an extremely poignant “dance” (to say more would not be
fair) in Act II.
The proscenium stage of grey stucco-like paint is extended
out two levels into the audience, developing a close rapport between characters
and viewers -- sometimes purposely too close during some intense scenes.
Suggestion: Add pounds to Rogowski’s middle. There are at
least 20 references to Donald’s eating too much.
A question to many in the audience: Why would anyone
boisterously laugh at scenes about death on the battlefield, hospitalization
for PTSD, and savagery in Nazi death camps? Sadly, perhaps someone at Suffield
should have informed ticket buyers that this was not a comedy.
