 |
 |
 |
|||||
|
|
READ REVIEWS GET IN ON THE TEEN SCENES TEEN REVIEWERS AND CRITICS LINKS TO OTHER COOL STUFF |
Allison Goodbaum Allison Reviews Talk Radio 
The newly revised drama Talk Radio, written by Eric Bogosian, displayed a young man whose life revolved around his career as a radio talk show host. Barry Champlain played by actor Liev Schreiber, is a cynical, opinionated, demanding man who thrives on his politically based late night radio talk show. Throughout the performance, the audience peers into ChamplainÕs dark past through monologues performed by each of the cast members. Each monologue exhibited a crucial experience that had been shared with Barry, allowing the audience to gain a better understanding as to why he acted as he did, and how he and his show became so popular. Because the main focus for a large portion of the play was on Mr. Champlain at his isolated desk, the monologues performed by the other actors allowed the audience to alter their focus to a different character in new part of the stage from time to time. The set itself reflected a detailed realistic radio station, from the numerous audiotapes on the shelves, to the sound proof padded walls. It was impressive how the stage was segmented into three sections, the main desk where Mr. Champlain sat, and two rooms behind the sound proof wall and glass. This gave the audience the option of directing their attention towards one of the two parts of the stage during the show, both of which were continually active at the same time. The cast of Talk Radio not only dripped with talent, but, exemplified it in a way I had rarely seen before. The show consisted of not only acting through speech, but also through solely body language. Viewers had to understand the objectives of the actors behind the sound proof glass without words or direct speech. This obstacle did not, tarnish or recede the talent of the actors in any way, rather it complimented the outstanding performances given by each performer. Liev SchreiberÕs depiction of Barry Champlain, cultivated a realistic energy that emanated from him and seemed to infiltrate the entire theater leaving a chilled almost scared feeling. His strong portrayal of an angry pessimistic man was expressed perfectly through crude humor in his responses to his listeners that Schreiber gave in a soft, yet powerful voice.
The set design, and overall outstanding and powerful performances presented by each actor left me feeling moved, inspired and in awe of the Broadway stage once again. Talk Radio represented a true masterful live dramatic experience that thankfully, I got to be a part of thanks to High 5.
|