Written by: Tom Stoppard
Directed by: David Schappert
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz
The Shawnee Playhouse in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA presented The Center Stage Players’ production of “The Real Thing” by Tom Stoppard which was first performed in 1982. It received awards from the New York Drama Critics' Circle, the Drama Desk, and The Antoinette Perry Award for Excellence in Theatre (aka Tony Award) awards for Best Play in 1984. A revised version of the play was presented in 2000 for which it received awards from the Drama Desk and Tony Awards for Best Revival of a Play.
While waiting for The Center Stage Players’ production of the play to begin, I began reading the Director’s note presented in the program which relayed, in considerable detail, how thoughts of “Americanizing” the play were explored since the work written with an English accent in mind seemed “wordy” and might cause a local audience to “tune out.” I actually found the Director’s note to be a bit wordy and decided to forgo further reading of it until after the play was over and I was home; snug in my little bed. I then read the decision to present the play as written with all its intricate dialogue and theatrical nuances intact was eventually reached.
It was then when I realized the creative process of presenting a play as detailed in the Director’s note reflected the intricacies found within the play itself. These intricacies, if scribbled by a lesser playwright, could have easily become a mere collection of words upon words which would have made what the director alluded to as a “wordy” play. But, each word utilized throughout “The Real Thing” serves a distinct purpose and becomes so essential to the dialogue that, if one was taken out or changed haphazardly, the essence of the play effectiveness upon its audience would diminish considerably.
Deciding to present the play as written with all its intricate dialogue and theatrical nuances intact made for a brilliant production presented by The Center Stage Players. I have often said the theatrical company is made up of actors who demonstrate their love for the art of theater through their deep and profound respect for the craft. They bring their best to the play they perform and “The Real Thing” by Tom Stoppard is another example of their dedication to presenting quality theater.
“The Real Thing” by Tom Stoppard takes place in London, UK in 1982 and opens with a scene in which a character named, “Max,” as portrayed by Benjamin Cohen, accuses his wife Charlotte, as portrayed by Eileen Cohen, of adultery. The second scene reveals the first scene was part of a play being written by a character named, “Henry,” as portrayed by Patrick Turner (who serves as The Center Stage Players’ President), who is married to Charlotte. We also discover Max is married to a woman named “Annie,” as portrayed by Gillian Gerharty, who is an activist endeavoring to free an imprisoned vandal named, “Brodie,” as portrayed by Chris M. Ridder, and is having an affair with Henry.
As the play progresses, Max discovers the affair between Henry and Annie and they divorce. Henry and Charlotte also divorce leaving Henry and Annie to live together. The play then centers around Henry and Annie with Henry writing scripts for television in order to pay alimony payments and Annie who continues to advocate Brodie’s release and is cast in a production of “ ‘Tis Pity She's a Whore” during which she has an affair with a fellow actor named, “Billy,” as portrayed by Aaron Pappalardo.
While Annie is rehearsing for the production, Henry visits Charlotte and their daughter Debbie, as portrayed by Rachel Dickson, who declares that monogamy is a thing of the past and considers it as a form of colonization. Charlotte then admits she had several affairs during their marriage. The concepts and revelations revealed during Henry’s time spent with his daughter and former wife come back to haunt him when he discovers Annie’s and Billy’s affair and is told he must accept it. There is much more to the play than what is revealed in the plot summary I’ve presented here and I encourage anyone who loves good theatre to see the play to discover them on their own.
The script has a rhythm to it which the actors deftly utilize to bring a cadence to the words and draws members of the audience into the conversation. One example of this is the point when Henry and Annie are discussing the nature of writing. There were several moment when I, being one with an interest in the literary arts, was tempted to interject my opinion on what was being said upon the stage. Luckily, I was able to restrain myself but it is rare when a theatrical work incites me to such a state.
“The Real Thing” by Tom Stoppard is a very well formed play with a fine cast to match its caliber. From the stellar performances, to the well constructed sets, to the music played while the scenes are being changed all make this Center Stage Players production a theatrical experience that no one who loves the theatre should deny oneself. In this reviewer’s opinion, it’s the best play presented at The Shawnee Playhouse so far this year.
The Center Stage Players’ production of “The Real Thing” is written by Tom Stoppard by James Goldman and directed by David Schappert who also served the production as its Technical and Production Director. The production was Stage Managed by Lillian Ramirez-Gonzalez. who also serves as The Center Stage Players’ Secretary, as assisted by Stephanie Hellman. Members of The Center Stage Plyers served the production as a members of its set crew. This presentation of The Center Stage Players’ production of “The Real Thing” will conclude its run at The Shawnee Playhouse in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA on April 28th.
The Center Stage Players is a non-profit community theater group which was formed in April of 1990 and led by a board of directors. Membership is open to everyone regardless of experience. All auditions to their productions are open to the public as they strive to provide an environment in which persons with an interest in theater can grow and develop in all aspects of theater. Besides those listed in leadership positions earlier in this review, The Center Stage Players’ Board of Directors consists of Sue Butler as their Vice President, Katherine Neville as their Treasurer, and Dan Eash as their Production Coordinator. Please feel free to Explore The Center Stage Players Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/CenterStagePlayersPA to learn more information about them.
The Shawnee Playhouse provides professional quality year-round entertainment in a historic yet comfortable setting while bringing their guests a variety of theatrical experiences to the residents and vacationers of the area. They also serve as a training ground for young theatre performers and technicians. The producers of the productions presented at The Shawnee Playhouse are Ginny and Charlie Kirkwood while the group sales manager is Mary Horn and Becky Haskell serves as the playhouse’s Sales and Marketing Director. The Executive Director of The Shawnee Playhouse is Midge McClosky. The playhouse’s webmaster is David Schrage and their accountant is Erica Stripp.
Future presentations at The Shawnee Playhouse will include The Worthington Players’ Production of “Sin, Sex, and the CIA” taking place May 3rd - 19th, “Mozart - A Musical Timeline” taking place May 11th - June 15th, “I Love Your, You’re Perfect, Now Change” taking place May 24th - September 1st, “All Shook Up” taking place June 12th - August 30th, The Worthington Players’ Production of “The Shawnee Story” taking place June 22nd - August 31st, The King and I” taking place June 28th August 24th, and a series of Cabarets taking place June 21st, July 18th, and August 22nd. Please contact The Shawnee Playhouse at 570-421-5093 or Explore their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/shawneeplayhouse?ref=ts&fref=ts for more information and to reserve your ticket for their upcoming presentations.
Those who enjoy the Passionate Art Lover level of membership in The Forwardian Arts Society are offered a $3.00 discount off the admission fee for all productions of The Shawnee Playhouse designated as Feature or Headline Shows.
The Photograph is provided by The Shawnee Playhouse.
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