“Network”

It is hard to believe, but here we are some 48 years later and some of the same problems exist in our world. Yes, television is changed. Where we had 4 or 5 stations to deal with, we now have hundreds, and I am sure that some of the points are still relevant today. The story concentrates on Beale ( another sterling performance by James Turano, who should get yet another Jeff Nomination, and perhaps this time, the actual award). He is a newsman who is having a problem with his ratings and the behind the scenes business dealings of his network. He fears being terminated and decides to let it all hang out, starting with announcing that he will commit suicide on air.

When the station sees that his ratings are skyrocketing, they keep him on, and little by little, his popularity grows even strong as he tells America that it is time to stand up, open your window and shout out “I’m Mad As Hell and I am not going to take it any longer”! I must say that Turano is powerful in his  portrayal of this character, creating his own persona instead of trying to imitate Finch’s portrayal. Under the direction of Charles Askenaizer, on the wonderful set designed by  (Kevin Rolfs), we the audience feel that we are on the set, seated in the actual audience , if there was indeed an audience at a newscast.

We definitely see the wheels turning as each of the TV executives struggles to keep their power and position and with two TV cameras, there are some scenes that appear on the wall as well. There were however, a few scenes that were NOT in the studio, involving a relationship between an agent and a TV executive, that probably would have been better off without the cameras on, as I doubt very much they would have an affair with a camera and sound man in the apartment.

This is primarily a one man showcase with a strong ensemble to fill in the gaps. They are terrific: Chuck Munro, Anne Trodden, Joe Sergio, John Chambers,Joe Feliciano, Fred Wellisch,  James Lewis, Whitney Minarik, Colin K. Jones, Thomas M. Shea, Patrick Blashill, Keisha Yelton-Hunter, Ophelia Harkness, Layke Fowler and Liam Ryan. Each cast member added to the tension, the pressure and the wonderful story-telling.

Hats off to the tech crew, who managed to put the audience into the studio with ease and never made us feel that we were in the way. Sound (Petter Wahlback), lighting ( Chad Lussier), costumes ( Jessie Gowens), props (Rachel Livingston), and the fight and intimacy designer (Jay Donley). As I said earlier, the audience does become part of the production as we have pins to wear, signs to wave and times to scream out the famous quote. FYI- there is some sexual tension in one scene and an ending that may be shocking for some, so parental guidance is suggested.

“Network” will continue thru September 29th with performances as follows:

By the way, The Leader Bar at 3000 West Irving Park is a great spot for a before show dinner and if you show them your ticket you get a 10% discount.