by Claire DeMarco
Coach Jake Sebastian (Eric Vollmer) is a successful coach at Fisk High school in western Pennsylvania. The town of Fisk and its inhabitants are working class. Their main competition is a high school nearby in a town much wealthier and high end than Fisk. Unfortunately, Fisk has lost the last two annual games with their arch rival and a third game has been scheduled.
Coach’s wife Lynn (Amy Sikora Baschnagel) grew up in the rival town and still supports and is enthusiastic about several foundations she’s involved in. She doesn’t fit in with the other women of Fisk.
“Coach and Mrs. Jagoff” is more than a play between two rival football teams. The difference not only between the working class of Fisk and the wealthier stature of the neighboring town is highlighted not only through the dialogue. Social standing also plays a key role in that dichotomy.
The outcome of the football game (Fisk loses by one point) can change Coach’s position at the school.
We’re introduced to the political aspect of high school football as Board Superintendent Wayne Taylor (Duncan Jameson) and the school board members determine Coach’s future path. Their decision not only can end Coach’s career but will sensationalize his drinking problem from whispers only gossip to actual acknowledgement.
Note: Football – whether high school, college or professional is a big deal in Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania. We thrive on the game, no matter our social status. Coaches are usually held in high esteem (unless we or politics deem them unworthy) and they tend to have a status all their own.
Vollmer’s portrayal of Coach covers all the nuances and ups and downs of a man facing a personal dilemma. He is both strong and vulnerable as his life changes.
As the supportive wife, Baschnagel is refined and dignified but she develops her character into a more vocal, demanding spouse as Coach faces life-changing uncertainties and challenges.
Vollmer and Baschnagel are especially effective as Lynn forces Coach to come to terms with his demons and drinking. There is no skirting the issue as she was wont to do previously and Coach is left with Lynn’s ultimatum.
Jameson’s portrayal of the school’s superintendent follows his slow progression of dealing with innuendoes about Coach in closed meetings to a reckoning that requires a final public resolution.
Inserting the necessary Pittsburghese into the conversation is handled effectively by Ellen Kalik as Gina Bernardi, Fisk school board member. Her introduction is loaded with “yinz” and “n’ats”, reinforcing and confirming that we are indeed near Pittsburgh and in western Pennsylvania.
Adam Merulli as rival coach Milan Toth adds a touch of humanity, common sense and much needed advice as Coach hits his low point.
Alan Hayashi (Lights and Sound) visuals of fiery images of steel production with accompanying noise of steel-making at the play’s introduction are striking.
The set is simplistic with props delivered and removed by cast members as each scene changes.
Costume selections also help identify without words the social status of each character. Lynn Sebastian usually wore more formal attire while the locals’ clothes were extremely casual, less coordinated.
Note: There are perhaps too many scenes overall in the production, making it less cohesive than it could be.
The world premiere of “Coach and Mrs. Jagoff was written by Bruce Zewe. Congratulations on a new career after 40 years of writing for other organizations.
CED
“Coach and Mrs. Jagoff” runs from August 8th to August 23rd at Iron Horse Theatre Company, 348 Maplewood Avenue, Ambridge, PA. 15003. For tickets and additional information, click here.
