The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1960-08-04
Review of The Play

his wees ) Ol4SIllg at lnc play
house in a way puts the reviewer
in bit of a spot. The reason for
this being that finally George
Bernard Shaw has been presented
in Garrett County
For one to say that he didn't
care too much for this weeks play.
puts one in the somewhat unen-
viable spot of being accused of
not being properly appreciative of
one Of England's better known
modern writers. One may also be
considered an intellectual snob If
he thinks everything which bears
the Shavian imprint as being the
last word in theatrical endeavor
Actually it is considered in some
areas quite the thing to become
inst a little too enthusiastic con-
cerning the bearded Irishman's
barbs. SO in any attempt to dis
cuss Shaw effectively one is apt
TO be damned by some and praised
BY others, depending the ideas of
the particular individual
GEORGE Bernard Shaw was one
of the most controversial figures of
his period. He was well known as
dramatist, critic and writer on
public affairs. In his early days
had no great love for the stage =
but instead reorganized this media
as a sort of platform for the eX-
position of certain ideas of political
and social reform to which he dedi-
Gated himself. Shaws approach to
dramatizing was somewhat differ
ent in that he aimed at the minds
of play goers rather than at their
emotions and physical sensations.
Thoughts and not action character
lied the Shavian type Of theatre.
"GBS" was one of the well
known playwrights who wrote many
of his plays to be read rather than
plavcd and this weeks offering
falls in this group since it was not
until 1853 when a successful pro-
duction of the play was launched
in New York.
To give an outline of the plot of
"Nisalliance' is difficult Actual
" we have the author discussing a
number of subjects which winds
up as fairly pleasant theatre. There
is a middle class family, father,
mother. son and daughter. Father,
bit of d rake, has been quite sue
cessful financially The daughter,
engaged to a somewhat eccentric
son of a member of the aristocracy-
enter an aviator, a Polish lady aero
bat. a possible illegitimate child,
and a lot of interesting conversa-
ton basically having to do with fl
deity, infidelity, landlordism, the
British empire, prostitution and
family disturbances.
1t takes a bit of effort at the be-
ginning but through acts two and
three everyone in attendance has
good time listening to erudite
dialogue, and at the end all IS
well, so to speak.
The group must be congratulated
as a unit for the good job it has
done. This weeks endeavor re-
uuires collective effort and it is
really present. There are, however,
few performances which must be
singled out for special commenda-
ton. These are ; John Fisher, as
father Tarleton, the cause of it all
This young player has his best OPP
portunity so far this season and
comes up with a Characterization
well studied and sustained. jim
Friedman does it again this week
as Lord Summerhays, Tarleton's
vis-a-vis. His somewhat unusual
son, Bentley is portrayed by Mar
ty Mcclure in a manner most
satisfactory. Steve Wagner in a
key role gives a monologue which
for rapidly of speech reminds one
of Danny Kaye in his recitation OF
the Russian composer in Lady In
The Dark" Judy Knaiz is the Pol
ish acrobat who is responsible for
some of the most entertaining por-
tons of the evening. Again the
versatility Of this young performer
is well demonstrated, and kudos
are extended her for an excellent
performance. Other members OF
this well knit cast are: Peggy Lewis,
Judith Wiemken, Richard Dorian
and Fred Burrell, not to mention
them individually does not detract
from their performances.
That about wraps it up for this
week. Something a little different
something to be seen to widen
ones experience with the theatre.
f Raumpartner. M. D.