2.04.2007

An Evening of Mamet

Once again the Tenn Rep troupe pulled off a fantastic performance. Last night, my friend and I were fortunate enough to take part in David Mamet's "Speed-the-Plow" - wonderfully directed by Rene Copeland and brilliantly performed by the Tenn Rep actors (not to mention we had perfect seats). Speed-the-Plow is a caricature and a self-parody of the dichotomy faced by those in the Hollywood movie industry between art and commerce. zzzzzzzzzz....c'mon on, don't fall asleep on me.

The play is not anywhere near as dry as that synopsis made it sound. Mamet is well-known for his biting dialogue and sarcastic humor, and Speed-the-Plow lives up to every Mamet expectation (that is, if one HAS any expectations to begin with). The writing is sharp, contemporary and clever, edged with cutting wit. It was one of those live theater experiences where every aspect was incredible - everything from the chosen script, to the direction, to the stage sets, to the acting. And afterwards, you just walk out, speechless, with a huge grin on your face.

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