Theatrical Review: Proof

PROOF
Written by: David Auburn
Directed by: Jon Baptiste
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz

Our Good Friends at The Shawnee Playhouse in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA presented their production of David Auburn’s “Proof” in their new “Black Box Theatre” designed to enhance the experience more intimate pieces than the musicals the playhouse has become known for. This setting was an ideal one as “Proof” is a play about intimacy and its staging in a small area engaged the audience to share in the deeper dynamics of each character and the scenes they inhabit.

The play is well written and has won many awards. However, if the acting is not sufficient, all the awards and recognition can not keep an audience from a bad production. This is not the case here. Besides the occasional stepping on lines which can be attributed to “Opening Night Jitters,” this production was superbly done. Each actor shared with the audience their character’s emotional depth which allowed each member of the audience to explore themselves and their relationship with those who hold significance in their lives.

Besides these emotional properties, the play is unique in its presentation of events within it. The plot of the play is told in flashbacks. This isn’t usually done in theatre and it’s more common in film or television. But, the proof (pun can be intended) it can be done well on stage is quite evident. This technique in storytelling enables the audience to see the motivation underlying words and actions. Therefore, this production becomes more real than real for its audience by not only suspends their disbelief but also breaks down the barriers of the fourth wall by presenting it in their new “Black Box Theatre.”

As I mentioned earlier, the acting was superb as each actor found and maintained an almost mathematical balance in their character’s emotion throughout the play. Sara Ferguson (who portrayed Catherine) balanced her resentment and anger for giving up her life to care for her father with the loving memories she has after his passing. Our Good Friend Amy Cramer (who portrayed Claire - Catherine‘s sister) balanced her condescending clarity with her desire to control others through her benevolence. Mark Vance (who portrayed Hal) balanced his deep respect for the mathematical accomplishments of Catherine’s father with the desire to further his career by learning from what he left behind. Finally, there is Dennis Carrig (who portrayed Robert - Catherine and Claire’s father) who balanced his desire to learn the further reaches of his genius with the fear his exploration will end in the further reaches of his madness.

The balance each character strikes is not the only aspect of this production that makes it so compelling. There is also how each character reacts to one another and how that interaction effects the balance. I’m reminded of an equation which has been referred to as the human equation. It’s simply a + b + c. Even if a person represented by “a” or “b” remain constant, any changes in the other variant changes the dynamic of the relationship as represented be “c.” This was demonstrated throughout the play as each character revised their variant to meet each thought and situation they encountered. Therefore, the mood of the play changed as did the level of the audience’s involvement which enhanced the theatrical experience.

The Production was Directed by Jon Baptiste, The Production Manager was Susan Bourn, and Stage Managed by Marissa Phillips. The Technical Director was Kayla Goble, the Light and Sound Operator was Gerald Siegler, and the Costume and Dresser was Amanda Hughlette. Producers were Ginny and Charlie Kirkwood while Our Good Friend Midge McClosky served as The Theatre’s Executive Director. The Box Office Staff consists of Mary Horn, Lillian Gonzalez, and Kasey Mesko. Our Good Friend Amy Cramer (who portrayed Claire) served as Marketing Assistant.

This production of “Proof” by David Auburn will continue its run at The Shawnee Playhouse in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA until July 29th. You can reserve tickets by calling 570-421-5093 or by exploring their website at www.theshawneeplayhouse.com. I recommend seeing this play for all who would like to explore their relationships with themselves and those who inhabit their lives.