by Diana Goldammer
This play is proof that bigger isn’t always better. A cast of seven well-played characters is all it takes to tell the story of Lizzie Currie and the men in her life. As the play opens, Lizzie, played by veteran actress Cat Erickson, has just returned from a trip that was meant to garner her a husband. Her no-nonsense brother Noah, adeptly played by Devin Carey, is convinced that she doesn’t need a husband and they should just face reality. He attempts to run the family as efficiently and as pragmatically as he runs the family ranch, even as the drought threatens to ruin them. Jesse Clark, in only his second ACT production, is delightful as her whimsical brother, Jimmy. The dreamer of the family, Jimmy is intent on following his heart – and the woman of his dreams. Even the way he moves on stage conveys his light-heartedness and thirst for life. Lizzie’s consummate protector and advocate is her dad, H.C., played by A.J. Bierman. Of all the rolls he’s played to date, this has been my favorite. It seems to fit him so well; he seems made for the part. Of course, the production would not be complete without the two men vying for the heart and hand of the lovely lady. In this case, neither of them originally knew they wanted her, and in the end, Lizzie has quite a choice to make. Paul Zeller as the con artist, Starbuck, blows into the Currie’s lives and the one-liners and drama start ‘raining down.’ Is he for real? What place does faith have in life? Starbuck generates questions from the first moment he sets foot on stage. On the other side of the law, literally, is the sheriff, played by Tom Miller, and his deputy File, played by relative ACT newcomer Kevin Kenkel. As these two small-town lawmen attempt to find the traveling shyster, they also attempt to help File own up to his past and look forward to his future. There’s never a dull moment as these characters struggle to get Lizzie married off and make the rain fall from the skies. But of course, when it rains it pours. The most surprising thing about this production is the set. Designed by Dan Miller, this set in itself is amazing to watch. Everything about it indicates motion and light. The backdrop of changing color sets the mood and the bare-plank walls that let you see behind the main scene only add to the interest. At first glance it looks simple and ordinary, but once the actors come on stage, it all makes sense. I can only imagine this show was a dream to direct. Pat Beuchler and Al Jacklin, codirectors, produce two hours of good old fashioned entertainment. A classic story, well-cast players and a great set – you can’t beat it as time well spent. | 