'A Few Good Men' and a woman in Alexandria

 Fred Lash (Capt. Isaac Whitaker) and Emma Wesslund (Lt. Cmdr. Joanne (Jo) Galloway) in Little Theatre of Alexandria's A Few Good Men/Photographer: Ari McSherry

For anyone who loves theatre, A Few Good Men at the Little Theatre of Alexandria, is a classic must. 

The second act was so engrossing that an occasional member of the audience, unable to contain himself during the performance, would give a shout-out to the actors, hoping for justice for all.

Nicholas Temple (Lt. Jack Ross), left, and Brendan Quinn (Lt. J.G. Daniel Kaffee) in Little Theatre of Alexandria's A Few Good Men/Photographer: Ari McSherry  

On trial are two young Marines, Harold Dawson (John Paul Odle) and Louden Downey (Jared Diallo) charged with the murder of another Marine, Pfc. William Santiago (Edwin Kindler). Rather than pleading guilty and going to prison for a few years, a female officer, Joanne Galloway (Emma Wesslund) convinces Mr. Plea Deal Lawyer Kaffee (Brendan Quinn) to submit the truth and find justice for the Marines whose top brass seek to deny and cover up their participation.

Whatever shall be the verdict?

Lawyer Kaffee basks in recognition for getting the most leniencies for his clients on plea deals, the least time in the slammer, although his clients may be innocent. A different strategy presents a risky and uncertain outcome, but it's the one the attorneys agree to follow and challenge the brass.


Mr. Kaffee is ably assisted by Lt. Weinburg (Jonathan Mulberg) whose infrequent comedic role helps to relieve the drama.  The single woman, Lt. Galloway draws audience applause at some points in the first act, but the play has her role diminished significantly in the strong second act when Lt. Weinburg overtakes her. It's almost as if Lt. Galloway has disappeared into the woodwork.

The hated Col. Jessup (David Kimmelman) lashes out at suspected opponents with all the venom and more which director Kathleen Barth desired, and his performance is likely to win a nomination in the Washington Area Theatre Community Awards competition.

Lt. Kendrick (Miguel Rosario), a true believer, ably assists Col. Jessup. And Nicholas Temple as the prosecutor added more reality to the show which is not all courtroom exchange. The history of the case builds, climaxing in the trial we all knew was coming.

Presiding in the center of the ring is Judge Randolph (Cliff Rieger) who conducts proceedings with strict military precision. Of course. He seemed a natural for the role.

While this is not a "feel good" story but one based on true events, it's certainly pause for reflection and to ask:  "Where are we going?" 

John Downing has designed an effective set for different scenes in four corners of the stage, three which go dark when lighting designer Ari McSherry drives attention to the action.  

Emma Williams's props are totally sufficient and unobtrusive.

What are tiresome though are the persistent Marine chants cast over a deep sky blue backdrop for scene changes. (Two chants would have been enough.) 

Director Barth writes in program notes that she sees a parallel of the 1986 drama with today's national "current political climate," and she hopes the audience will see the "struggle for the truth." It's impossible to overlook.

Costume designer Farrell Hartigan carefully studied military uniforms from the time, but the tieless reporter seemed out-of-place when cornering an officer for questioning.

The play takes place at the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, Cuba and in Washington, D.C. and is based on true events.

The general acting all around is another benefit of living in an area rich with theatre and talent, and well worth the price of a ticket or two (three).

The large cast (21) also includes Abbie Mulberg (Galloway understudy on some nights), Fred Lash, Jeff Haslow, Johnny Goodwin, Craig Morris,  Patrick Hogan, Christian Kampe, Ramy Ramirez, and Robert Montgomery.

Other creative team members were Sam Jensen, assistant producer; Rishabh Bajekal, assistant director; Charles Dragonette and Peter Leresche, stage managers; Eli Alexander and Joel Durgavich, assistant stage managers;  Donna Reynolds, set decoration; Krista White, sound;  Charlotte Corneliusen, hair and makeup; Robin Worthington, wardrobe coordinator; and Michael Donahue, stage combat coordinator.


What:  A Few Good Men by Aaron Sorkin, produced by Carol Jean Clark, Katie Kellenberger and Robert S. Kraus

When: Now through September 28, 2019. Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and a Sunday matinee, Sept. 22, 2019 at 3 p.m.

Where: Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

Tickets: $21 to $24

Language rating:  "X" with f-and s-bombs
 
Duration: About two hours with one 15-minute intermission

Public transportation: Check the Metro website.

Parking: On the streets and in many garages nearby. If Capital One Bank at Wilkes and Washington streets is closed, the bank's lot is open to LTA patrons at no charge.
 

For more information: 703-683-0496

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