More Than a Few—A review of “A Few Good Men”

By: Lonnie the Theater Lady

Playwright Aaron Sorkin came up with the idea for “A Few Good Men” after his sister, a JAG attorney, told him about a real-life case she handled. She was assigned to defend a group of military men who followed an order, issued by a superior officer at Guantanamo, to perform a “Code Red” (disciplinary action) on a fellow soldier. This off-the-record hazing nearly killed the soldier. At the time, Sorkin was working as a bartender at the Palace Theater on Broadway. He jotted down most of the story on cocktail napkins during Act I of “La Cage aux Folles.”

“A Few Good Men” is set in 1986 at Guantanamo. Two very young, dedicated Marines, Pfc. Louden Downey (Maddox Cannon) and Lance Cpl. Harold Dawson (Andrew Hughes) are being charged with the murder of a fellow Marine who died after they performed a “Code Red” on him.

Harvard Law graduate Lt. Daniel Kafee (Brian Ferris) is assigned to defend them. He’s known for avoiding trials and agreeing to plea deals. He’s more interested in playing baseball than going to trial. He’s partnered with Navy JAG lawyer, Lt. Cmdr. Joanne Galloway. (Elizabeth Glyptis) Initially, she’s totally unimpressed with Kafee and believes he will not serve their clients well. The disagreements and pervasive tension between the two provide interesting interactions.

They travel to Guantanamo, where they meet the brash, abrasive, insulting base commander, Colonel Jessep. (Art DiConciliis) He insults Galloway’s ability to do the job simply because she’s a woman. He makes fun of Kafee’s Harvard education. He’s instantaneously unlikable.

Kafee and Galloway get to work interviewing the accused murderers and other potential witnesses. Their investigation and quest for evidence leave them with little confidence in an acquittal —if the case goes to trial.

Downey and Dawson, the young defendants, demand to go to trial to prove their innocence: the shrewd prosecuting attorney, Capt. Jack Ross (Arjun Kumar) proves to be a formidable adversary.

The riveting, tense courtroom scene builds to a highly emotional climax.

DiConciliis is brilliant in his portrayal of the volatile, obnoxious good-old-boy Jessep. He’s gruff and odious, and he believes he’s always right. His passionate delivery of the “You can’t handle the truth,” monologue is beyond stunning.

Glyptis brings Galloway to life with a nuanced, layered performance. She highlights Galloway’s intelligence, professionalism, grit, and, conversely, her vulnerability.

Ferris is  captivating as the emerging Kafee. His authentic metamorphosis from an arrogant frat boy to a creative, committed defense attorney is well performed. He exudes a kind of refreshing charm.

Kumar portrays the circumspect prosecutor with a cunning, smooth confidence. Well done.

Cannon and Hughes have little stage time. Yet, it’s enough time for the audience to care about their youth, inexperience, dedication to the military, and bravery. They are convincing in their plight.

To the credit of director   J. Cody Spellman, the entire cast conveys the gravitas of military regulations and discipline. Even their physical stances and postures are ramrod straight as militarily required.

Costume designer Alex Righetti dresses the cast in what appears to be regulation military uniforms. Or, maybe they aren’t regulation. ( Not sure about the shoes and boots.) Either way, the costumes are very official-looking and convincing.

The original music and sound design are notable. The frequent drum cadences and eerie background sounds contribute to both the military feel and the overall suspense of the play (Steve Shapiro, designer).

“A Few Good Men” delves into the theme of duty versus morality. It provides fodder for stimulating discussions. This well-acted, thoughtful view of weighty ethical issues delivers a powerful punch with a thrilling, dramatic climax. Bravo to all involved with producing this impressive, impactful show!

-LtTL

Runs through July 12 at Little Lake Theater, 500 Lakeside Drive, Canonsburg, PA 15317. For more information, click here.