The thing about the play, “The Outgoing Tide”, is that it is, essentially, a one issue show. And that one-issue shows can tend to be a bit “talk-y”, and, in places, boring. But, the audience which, Thursday evening, came to see this production at Van Wert Civic Theatre in Van Wert, Ohio was riveted to their seats throughout. It seems that this one-issue show, in the hands of real pros, reveals layer after layer of fascinating “sub-layer” issues. These “sub-layers” in the hands of lesser actors, on some nights, may indeed become boring or talk-y. But not this night.
Written by the same man that wrote last year’s “oddball” hit, “Early One Evening at the Rainbow Bar and Grille”, “Tide” is powerfully drawn. It speaks to modern problems and how we have find a way to deal with them. Playwright Bruce Graham, however, takes a less silly, more confrontational path in the story with this particular piece. The situation is one that brings three members of a family together at a time of trial. The father, Gunner (Rickard Workman) has asked his grown son, Jack, (Steve Lane) to come home, but has not told him why. Gunner’s wife, Peg, (Shelley Dineen) is thrilled to have her son home, as she desperately needs to enlist his help, against Gunner. And here is where the one-issue comes in. It’s not about what the audience may believe it is. It’s about family relationships. And then it’s about trying to do the right thing. It’s about trying to avoid, as Jack always has been, being “put in the middle.” There are a number of these “sub-issues” which keep one locked on to the dialogue, and our story.
Jack has major problems in his life. He has always wanted to become a chef, but has been unable, financially. He is presently in the midst of a divorce. His youngest son is unresponsive to him, and apparently to the rest of the world. This has Jack keenly aware of how dysfunctional his own father-son childhood relationship was. Gunner knows he has been a less-than- nurturing father, but does not want to admit this. He feels the same about his treatment of Peg, a woman he has controlled and dominated for the length of their marriage. Peg is devastated by her son’s failed marriage, but is unable to cope. Her more pressing problem is a husband has a plan to make everything up to his wife and son. Peg has another plan, but neither is willing to listen. Jack knows one thing. He is very tired of being asked, “Don’t tell your mother/father”. In the end, certain heartbreaking compromises must be made. In all this Graham, and this superb cast keep us glued to our seats.
Rickard Workman brings to Gunner the same intensity, depth and touch he has brought to other characters, roles such as Willy Loman in “Death of a Salesman”, Big Daddy, in “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.”, Atticus Finch, in “To Kill a Mockingbird”, George, in “Of Mice and Men”. The list goes on and on. But Workman does not just play these roles, he defines them. He is not just the same character every time. No, each time he is THAT particular character, giving new insights into already-well-written parts. He is all of morose, belligerent, scheming, pleading, furious, broken, and more. He is always a joy to watch, and an even greater joy with whom to act.
Steve Lane equally adept at the full range of emotion, is a put-upon and harried Jack. He has proved over and over again to the audiences at VWCT that he is every bit the equal of anyone seen there. It is my hope, that in 15 years or so, this show will appear again, this time with Lane as Gunner. Because, as it is, Jack is not enough “guy” for the talents this man possesses. Jack is a weaker man who has not yet found himself, and now is forced to be go-between between a father who did not understand him, and a mother who perhaps, was unable to protect him, who perhaps protected him too well. Lane is masterful at underplaying to his role, which Graham has written in opposition to Gunner. He also has some of the funnier lines of the play.
We feel most sorry for Peg, who loves her husband with a deep passion. She tries every tack she can think of to keep Gunner and her together. But we suspect, as with everything else in their lives, Gunner will prevail. Shelley Dineen is in there with two real heavyweights, each legendary in their respective circles, able to command the most-coveted roles. Dineen is no lightweight, though. She has 40+ years of stage excellence behind her. She plays perfect foil to Workman and Lane, allowing them to bounce off her at will. She manages great turns as Shy Peg, worried Peg, Devastated Peg, Thundering Peg. She show a perfect range of emotion, helping her fellow actors take their viewers on a weaving, rising, plummeting, roller-coaster of frantic feelings.
It would not be appropriate to finish a glowing review, such as this, without mentioning those who excelled behind the scenes. Lighting design and operation by Beth Westbeld, a tricky proposition, laden with flashbacks, was handled, seemingly routinely and without discernable glitches. Sound, by Burdette Bolenbaugh was unobtrusive, yet enhancing.
One thing can be said for also-legendary director, George J. Dunster. He knows how to pick a great play. He, also knows how to gather the best actors and technicians to him, and he knows how to use settings, blocking and timing to create the best product. The audience may never realize the subtle, yet crucial contributions made by a superior director, but they recognize a terrific performance when they see one. And this crowd did. Congrats to Dunster, his cast and crew, for one of those “terrifics”,
The run of this performance continues this weekend and next. VWCT has given us a show worthy of our attendance and our admiration. The box office number is(419-238-9689), hours 2-6 pm Monday through Saturday. All tickets are $10.00.