By Joseph Szalinski
Tragedy has an uncanny ability to transcend time and place. Ask anyone over 30 what they consider the most pivotal world events of their lifetime, and almost everyone will include 9/11. While every single American was affected by the senseless violence, the most impacted people were New Yorkers, particularly the FDNY. Butler Little Theatre’s latest production, The Guys, directed by Molly Miller and produced by Katie Moore, celebrates these fearless first responders and is now running at Butler Little Theatre in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Written by playwright and journalist Anne Nelson, The Guys follows Joan and Nick as they try to properly eulogize eight firefighters who lost their lives on September 11th. A frustrating yet fulfilling mission, the duo run the gamut of emotions as they try to chronicle the quirks and idiosyncrasies that made these heroes human.
Being a two-person show makes both roles tireless. Occasional monologues and solo scenes punctuate the show, but the bulk of it rests on chemistry. A simple conversation becomes a profound piece of theatre thanks to the co-stars. They even dance in a dazzling routine practiced under the guidance of movement coach Joan Castillo, another testament to their capabilities as artists. Laura Crago delivers a marvelous portrayal of Joan, the journalist-turned-editor assisting with the eulogies. From the second the show begins to the second it ends, she is on stage, drawing audiences in. Casey Bowser delivers a powerful performance as Nick, an FDNY fire captain whose missing men are presumed dead. Bowser goes all in, adopting an accent, embodying the physicality, and embracing the vulnerability. He brings crowds to tears with his recounting of losses and reverent recollections, and he even elicits laughter with the latter.
Beyond stunning performances, this production excels technically. Joan’s home is full of cozy details courtesy of a set design and construction crew consisting of Sam Thinnes, Molly Miller, and Katie Moore. The trio supplements the set with an array of props they’ve worked on alongside the cast, who handle their own costumes. Philip Ball’s lighting design helps accentuate emotional moments. Cole Myers helped to keep things running smoothly as the stage manager.
Butler Little Theatre is a marvelous venue and company. Located just off Route 8, the space is easily accessible and a focal point of the city’s arts and cultural area. After 85 seasons, they continue to awe audiences of all sorts. From established classics to more obscure titles, BLT’s seasons are sure to delight and inspire.
-JS
The Guys continues its run September 15-19 at Butler Little Theater in Butler, Pennsylvania. For tickets and more information, click here.
