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Matchbox Players present:
"Talk Radio"
opening
tonight on
campus; ten
performances
to he given
by Joe Williams
Collegian Staff Writer
There is an old saying in the
theater that goes "A bad dress
rehearsal means a good opening
night".
If anything went wrong
with Monday night's preview of
Talk Radio, it wasn't apparent.
So if the old Thespians Tale is
true, opening night of Talk Radio
should be fantastic.
"Talk Radio" centers around
Barry Champlain, played by
Philip Pierre, and his last radio
talk show before going on
national radio.
The play comments on the
state of American culture and the
sleaze factor has infected every
form of media. This has become
main stream, and accepted
Pierre has been given an
excellent opportunity to show off
many talents from his high energy
performance as Barry, to his high
tech set design, to his intricate
lighting and sound design.
Rarely is one person given an
opportunity to take on so many
tasks, and carry them off so well.
Performances were solid
throughout the 22 member cast.
Mariannette Torres plays
Linda, Barry's producer/lover with
complete maternal calmness.
Bernie McNally gives an
admirable performance as Stu.
Barry's operator and oldest friend.
Chaimene Pettit gives a
polished performance that goes
beyond her years as Jackie, Barry's
ex-wife. She radiates a warmth
that let's you know how much
she's still in love with Barry.
Adam Gantz gives a skillful
performance as Dan, Barry's slick
dealing executive producer.
Another stand out performance
is delivered by Bill Gibbard as
Kent, a teenage rock-n-roll airhead,
who visits the talk show.
Steve Buckwald directed
production with the finesse of an
orchestra conductor.
Pulling together the huge cast,
the complicated technical light and
sound design, and the vigorous
script couldn't have been easy.
In spite of its overall
complexity the entire show runs
smoothly.
The Matchbox players,
Buchwald and Penn State Behrend
have a production they can be
proud of.
Talk Radio runs November Bth
through the 19th from 9 to 5 p.m.
Call 898-6331 for reservations.
It's important to call soon for
tickets otherwise you might miss
The Collegian Wednesday, November 8, 1989