Frost/Nixon- The Watergate Debate

BOOM! That is the first sound I heard the evening of Frost/Nixon. The loud noise opened the setting for the live debate of David Frost and Richard Nixon. As I sat in the audience, three things came to my attention about the performance. First, the sound effects; second, the large television screen; and third, the single desk in the middle of the stage. A few other props throughout the performance, such as airplane seats, interview chairs, and hotel couches, replaced the famous desk set in the middle of the oval office. Every new scene required a different chair. This minor set change was enhanced by the enormous television screen in the background. It would show clips pertaining to the current theme. For example when the characters commented on their drive to Nixon’s villa, the screen showed a normal drive in the California area. It was enjoyable and entertaining to see this “live” video footage. I must remark again in regard to the noises made throughout the show. Although the microphones of the actors were quite low, making it almost difficult to hear, extra volume was applied to certain events to enhance the importance of a significant part. Whenever the interviews with Nixon began an earsplitting noise declared “lights, set, action!”

Without the acting, Frost/Nixon would have been extremely boring. The few times the story line began to waver, Alan Cox (David Frost), Stacy Keach (Richard Nixon), or Brian Sgambati (Jim Reston) brought the audience back to the story with funny political jokes or thought provoking arguments. The contrast of character between Nixon and Frost was so great that it was humorous watching their different stories and lives intertwine. The “playboy TV host” verses the “serious President” in a debate about political views would definitely hold the attention of anyone. What could be more interesting than completely opposite men discussing everything from Italian shoes to politics?

The generation that lacked firsthand knowledge of the Watergate trial may have found the performance slightly boring at times. But those who had witnessed the famous debate live were gripped by the shows authenticity. Even I found myself curious about the entire story of Watergate. Instead of history being shoved down my throat, it was presented in an appealing way with skillful actors. If only history class could be that entertaining! Besides history I found it fascinating how words were carefully used to provoke others to say hidden things. Frost and Nixon found ways of speaking that boggled my mind and proved to me that any debate can be as interesting as a music video.

In conclusion, Frost/Nixon will arouse a desire in most people to learn more about the history of Watergate and the power of public speech. Frost/Nixon playing at Playhouse Square January 13th- 25th. Go to playhousesquare.com or call (216) 771-4444 for more information.

RENT- Overpriced? No. Overrated? Yes!

My high expectations were destroyed this Tuesday by the highly rated performance of RENT showing at Playhouse Square. I went in with an open mind and left with a depressed spirit.

Some positive points may have brought enjoyment to the show, but the amount of innuendo, vulgar actions, and curse words, distracted me from the main plot. I found myself so busy trying to ignore the disturbing dancing and sexual promiscuity that I had great difficulty finding pleasure in any of the story.

Most of the time the innuendos can be overlooked in any performance, but to add to that, I was also unable to relate with the characters. Although each of the actors had extreme talent in acting and singing (especially Lexi Lawson who played Mimi), their raw talents were wasted on roles that failed to draw me into the story. When a person watches a movie, he or she expects to esteem and identify with at least one of the characters. None of the characters in RENT possessed qualities admirable enough for me to love them. Even after the characters were fully developed, I still could not find a “hero” in any of their personalities.

The most disturbing part of RENT was the main theme. Every character considered their “happily ever after” to include sleeping in whoever’s bed was closest and smoking or drinking to take away all the left over pain. Their overall lifestyles had no moral standards. In reality the general population of the real world would never desire to live that way. Instead, people dream of a perfect, long-term relationship with one person, in a cozy house. Most of the world objects to the idea of self-centered humans living with a please yourself mentality. In RENT every so often the ideas of love, peace, and happiness came out in the actions of the characters, but those few glimpses hardly made up for the shortage of moral concepts. So considering the painful plot, a person thinking about seeing this show must ask themselves if in the end self-gratification can truly bring happiness?

RENT now showing at Playhouse Square from January 6th- 11th. For more information call: (216) 771-4444 or go to playhousesquare.com.

Heading Back to the Theatre!

Hello All! Just wanted to let you know that tonight I am going to see RENT. I m a little bit afraid of the content of this one..... Please pray for me, that I will have discernment and good judgment. Thanks and I love you guys!
~Din
P.S.- My review will be posted on Saturday so make sure to check back then.