Theater Review
‘Fools’ Mixes
Russian History,
American Culture
By Ashley Wellman of Washington-Lee High School (April 2, 2006)
(Ms. Wellman is a CAPPIES high school reviewer
for The Washington Post. She attended Mason’s production of Fools to write this review.)
If
a butcher were to ask “Do I have any mail?” how often would the responding
postman say, “No, I'm the postman, I have all the mail.” Such is
the way of life in the small Russian village populated entirely by
bumbling numbnuts that Leon (Nathan Ward),
a young and wide-eyed teacher, takes the chance of visiting in order
to educate the doctor’s beautiful (but intellectually challenged)
daughter, Sophia (KK Bracken). Despite the playful idiotism of the
townspeople, they are all sweet-natured people, aware of their own
limitations and wanting to improve themselves through the help of Leon.
His efforts at education decidedly struggle when set alongside the
difficulties of the people’s distraction and an unexpected curse
put on the village 200 years ago, forever making everyone stupid
until the beautiful Sophia Zubritsky is married to the evil count Gregor Yousekevitch (Andy
Parker).
The
energy onstage was easily the production’s most successful element.
The chemistry between each excited individual proved incredible
to watch, bringing the audience into the story completely.
|
There was strong character
development, especially from Sophia and Dr. Zubritsky (Johnny
Vroom) in the total of their silly comments, which their characters
genuinely expected to be taken seriously. Dr. Zubritsky’s movement
was very well done, particularly in his hands. Lenya Zubrtisky (Katie
Gordon), his wife, provided great cause to laugh as well with her
troubled expressions and enthusiastic cheering.
The town crier’s (Hunter Burkey) performance
as a cameo was hilariously funny each and every time he came
onstage with his garbled shouting and curt expression. The
Siamese-twin-butchers (Adam Gann and Daniel Thielman),
with their Scottish, Irish, and Russian accents, and not to mention
their juggling and walking, worked hilariously well together. Another
notable character was the town magistrate (Nicole Patierno),
bringing all of us back to the Princess Bride with her delightful
accent. |
|
Freshman Johnny Vroom as Dr. Zubritsky
comforts senior Katie Gordon (Lenya Zubritsky) as they learn
about the stupid curse that plagues the village for probably
about the 20th time. (Photo by Angel Bunker)
|
Sound,
lighting, and set, all with their many aspects, were ridiculously good
for a high school play, bringing reality to the story. The balcony
which
Leon climbs
a total of eight times provided a great cause for a repeated laugh
from the audience.
George
Mason’s "Fools," a comedic production, proved completely
successful in all its aspects, incorporating elements from Russian
history and contemporary American culture.
