Published: Wednesday, February 22, 2012
This ‘M*A*S*H’ differs from TV
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Michael Bury Photography
BriAnne Green, Jenny Price, Don Taylor, Tabitha Bastien, Jonathan Locke and Garr Godfrey examine Rob Perkins in Driftwood’s production of “M-A-S-H.”
South Korea, early 1950s. The putt-putt of rotary blades from incoming helicopters. Sirens sound. Doctors and nurses of the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital scramble into action. Their job: Save lives.
War sets the stage for Driftwood Players’ “M*A*S*H,” a comedy of coping mechanisms under extreme stress. The idea is to get serious about a reality too grim to get serious about. What you make of it depends on what you bring to the table.
If you see infantile behavior and juvenile antics as unbecoming military personnel, you may well judge this an outrageous farce arriving out of left field.
If you empathize with people responsible for other people doing the best they can in an impossible situation, you may well appreciate what they do and how they do it.
Either way, laughter is the target.
Does Driftwood hit the target?
I say yes, but a bull’s-eye is too much to ask for.
Remember, for many, the immensely popular TV series by the same title probably sets the example for this slice of chaotic life in a combat zone. Expectations going in run high.
Also, adapting film to stage involves changes in technique. Re-takes allow TV actors to get it right. Stage is live – no retakes.
Plus, here, Garr Godfrey in the key role of Hawkeye has to contend with hard-to-forget Alan Alda, who played the same role in the living rooms of millions for 10 years.
With that in mind, Godfrey and others in this cast of 30-plus facing the same thing, all do solid jobs.
Jonathan Reis’ directing doesn’t escape all of the choppy effects of stringing together a staggering number of scenes over many months.
Gags are often dated. Deliveries get out of them only what there is to get.
Off-stage sound effects are standout. The senseless violence of war comes through powerfully. You are there, definitely.
Leaving, I thought this “M*A*S*H” to be something of a mishmash. Now, I see it as laughter is the best medicine for a thought-provoking tragedy. Driftwood came through.
Reactions? Comments? Email Dale Burrows at grayghost7@comcast.net or entertainment@weeklyherald.com.
'M-A-S-H'
WHEN: Through Feb. 26; Feb. 24 and 26 shows sold out
WHERE: Wade James Theatre, 950 Main St., Edmonds
TICKETS: $23 general, $20 under 18, 60+ and military; 425-774-9600 or www.driftwoodplayers.com
War sets the stage for Driftwood Players’ “M*A*S*H,” a comedy of coping mechanisms under extreme stress. The idea is to get serious about a reality too grim to get serious about. What you make of it depends on what you bring to the table.
If you see infantile behavior and juvenile antics as unbecoming military personnel, you may well judge this an outrageous farce arriving out of left field.
If you empathize with people responsible for other people doing the best they can in an impossible situation, you may well appreciate what they do and how they do it.
Either way, laughter is the target.
Does Driftwood hit the target?
I say yes, but a bull’s-eye is too much to ask for.
Remember, for many, the immensely popular TV series by the same title probably sets the example for this slice of chaotic life in a combat zone. Expectations going in run high.
Also, adapting film to stage involves changes in technique. Re-takes allow TV actors to get it right. Stage is live – no retakes.
Plus, here, Garr Godfrey in the key role of Hawkeye has to contend with hard-to-forget Alan Alda, who played the same role in the living rooms of millions for 10 years.
With that in mind, Godfrey and others in this cast of 30-plus facing the same thing, all do solid jobs.
Jonathan Reis’ directing doesn’t escape all of the choppy effects of stringing together a staggering number of scenes over many months.
Gags are often dated. Deliveries get out of them only what there is to get.
Off-stage sound effects are standout. The senseless violence of war comes through powerfully. You are there, definitely.
Leaving, I thought this “M*A*S*H” to be something of a mishmash. Now, I see it as laughter is the best medicine for a thought-provoking tragedy. Driftwood came through.
Reactions? Comments? Email Dale Burrows at grayghost7@comcast.net or entertainment@weeklyherald.com.
'M-A-S-H'
WHEN: Through Feb. 26; Feb. 24 and 26 shows sold out
WHERE: Wade James Theatre, 950 Main St., Edmonds
TICKETS: $23 general, $20 under 18, 60+ and military; 425-774-9600 or www.driftwoodplayers.com