Superb effort simply tries to do too much
Iwonder if when Mother Road Theatre Company’s Julia Thudium chose to direct “The Killer Angels” she was trying to recapture the success of “Moby Dick” two years ago. The plays have much in common — both are based on epic novels and feature all-male ensembles, double casting, narrators and harmonious singing. Alas, “Killer Angels” is not as compelling or entertaining as the whale tall tale.
The problem with “Killer Angels” at The Filling Station is not the acting or the staging or the direction. Karen Tarjan’s adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Michael Shaara simply tries to do too much.
We follow soldiers wearing uniforms fashioned by costumers Paula Steinberg and Julie Ball in the gray of the Confederate Army and blue of the Union Army. They discuss strategy, argue about tactics, debate slavery, fight and die. Tarjan tries to differentiate the various generals and to involve us in personal relationships tested on the battlefield. A narrator keeps us informed.
For four of the bloodiest days of our history, Northern and Southern armies fought at Gettysburg, Pa., for the destiny of the nation. “Killer Angels” presents 24 characters played by 11 men in numerous scenes that shift behind Yankee and Rebel lines and onto the battleground. J.B. Tuttle plays the narrator, who also sings pleasantly, accompanying himself on guitar and mandolin.
On the Southern side, the central narrative involves the differences in strategy to be employed between Gen. Robert E. Lee and his “Old War Horse,” Gen. James “Pete” Longstreet. Peter Shea Kierst plays exhausted and ill Lee with dignity and humanity. It is Vic Browder’s wise Longstreet who sees the folly of Lee’s plan, unlike dashing George Pickett. Played with flair by Mark Hisler, that general is glad to lead his men on the suicidal assault infamously known as “Pickett’s Charge.”
On the Northern side, the most interesting characters are Col. Lawrence Chamberlain and his brother Thomas. Sensitively portrayed by Justin Tade, Lawrence is a professor at Bowdoin College who enlisted and leads a regiment from Maine with great distinction. Tom, played by William Johnson, is under his command. The pair is heroic and humble.
Michael Dolce deserves credit for his humorous presentation of Arthur Freemantle, a Brit who observes the battle from the Confederate side. His generalizations about southerners and his zeal to see fighting ease tensions.
The other generals are harder to distinguish. Hancock and Armistead are old friends now fighting on opposite sides. Both are played by Jonathan Dunski. Brian Haney, Chris Gonzales and Brandon McDaniel are also effective in multiple roles.
Despite the hard work, “Killer Angels” fails to deliver the significance of its subject.
“Killer Angels continues at 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 6 p.m Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through Sept. 30. Call 243-0596 for reservations.