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Regional Reviews: San Francisco Game On Also see Patrick's review of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels Richard's reviews of Bauer and Standing on Ceremony: The Gay Marriage Plays
When Vinnie (Barricelli) comes up with a great idea for a new protein source for the planet, Alvin (Marker) smells a sweet deal in the making, and lines up the perfect setting for pitching to local venture capitalist bigwig Morrie. The two hole up in the den at friend Beth's (Nisi Sturgis) upscale Los Altos home, watching a Giants-Dodgers pennant game as a fundraiser parties on in the next room. Both avid fantasy baseball players, Alvin and Vinnie wheedle and cajole about players, trades, stats, and the poetry of the game. Baseball commentary gets mingled with pitch planning, interrupted by occasional visitors to the den, such as Beth, mogul Bob (Mike Ryan), who is curious about Alvin's proposal, and Glen (Cassidy Brown), former classmate of Alvin's and now-husband of Beth. As the evening wanes, we learn more about Vinnie and Alvin's personal lives, the particulars of the deal, and why there's a hint of desperation in the air. These are not just game players; they're flesh and blood, real people with real-world problems. We are reminded of the current state of affairs in this roller-coaster market, the volatility of high-stakes transactions, and the economy of hope. Between the raucous laughs, there's an important message about priorities, ethics, and personal integrity. And, of course baseball—the metaphors abound, with much glee and with much resonance for the world of business. And, oh yes, bugs—the new protein source. The casting is pitch perfect, with Barricelli and Marker playing off each other with fabulous chemistry, well-suited to their particular roles. Barricelli easily fills out the hot-headed Sicilian, while Marker's boyish all-American looks make him a shoo-in for Alvin the Lion. Their relationship carries the show, and they both shine in tremendous range, from wildly comic to grimly serious, bringing two ultimately loveable characters to life. Just wait for the "fur" to start flying in scene three. Supporting castmates are also excellent, and get to show off their skills in several appearances. Ryan is a perfect Silicon Valley type, a seamless example of the killer business instinct. Sturgis has that golden air about her, made of money, the enviable hostess with the right look and carefully researched acumen. Brown almost steals the show with his hilarious rap poem, delighting both us and his fictional audience. Production values are superb, from John Iacovelli's deliciously chic set, to David Lee Cuthbert's subtly changing light design, to Rick Lombardo's spot-on sound design. Lombardo also directs, and staging is a huge plus in bringing this piece to life, with special kudos for the brilliant way actors relate to the baseball game. Denitsa Bliznakova misses the mark with costuming for Beth, but her designs for the men are more appropriate. It's the first play I know of that truly captures the Silicon Valley milieu in a way that is both specific and universal. See it for the fun and fabulous performances, and enjoy it before it takes Broadway by storm. Game On by Dan Hoyle and Tony Taccone, presented by San Jose Repertory Theatre, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose, through April 19, 2014. Tickets available at 408-367-7255 or at www.sjrep.com.
- Jeanie K. Smith |
