The Petrified Forest: A Review
The Marin Actor’s Workshop has possibly hit the proverbial ball out of the proverbial park with their show for the 2011 season, The Petrified Forest by the acclaimed Robert E. Sherwood. Set in the small diner/bar of a gas station in Eastern Arizona, the play gives us a view into the lives of people at the crossroads of their own lives, as well as at literal crossroads (the diner is at a crossroads: one way leads towards the Pacific, the other towards the titular Petrified Forest of Arizona). Down-on-his-luck writer/intellectual Alan (the phenomenal Ken Bacon) comes to the diner on his way to see the Pacific Ocean. Gabby (Ariana Hooper) is the waitress of the diner, with dreams of leaving the artistically and culturally petrified (in her mind) America to reunite with her mother in France. What begins to feel like a standard and uneventful play is shaken up by the arrival of famed gangster Duke Mantee (Daniel Flores) and his gang, who take the inhabitants of the diner hostage.
Upon entering the theater space of the Novato Theater Company Playhouse, I was struck by the set. With just a relatively small space, Set designer Eugene DeChristopher instantly transports the audience to 1934 Arizona. The colors and little details like the weathered wood grain, a small coating of desert dust and the American flag with the period correct 48 stars hanging on the wall help keep atmosphere alive.
The actors were mostly excellent. A few seemed a little flat or nervous, but that could easily be marked up to first night jitters, and suddenly having an audience to work off of. Ken Bacon was an exceptional delight to watch, as he seemed completely in control of his character and his actions. It felt as if he thoroughly researched his character, and his prop work and movements felt extremely natural. Wood Lockhart as Gramp Maple was one of the gems of the play, who nailed almost each and every comedic beat with near perfect timing, which can be a very difficult thing to do on opening night. Special recognition goes towards Daniel Flores, in his second role ever. His natural stage presence and charisma was evident from the moment he stormed on stage with the energy of an angry dog as Duke Mantee. The only downside is that he seemed to start with his stakes fully raised (that never faltered), which left a somewhat flat performance that didn’t have any dramatic build or growth. Other acting delights were Stacy Thunes as Mrs. Chisholm, and Jeremy Fay and Andrew Mendle as the Telegraph Linemen.
Overall, the production was excellent in all aspects, and should be viewed by all. If you enjoy comedy, drama, the 1930s, gangsters, or theater, grab your friends and family, and see this production.
The Petrified Forest is running at the Novato Theater Company Playhouse in Novato until July 31. $20-$24. For tickets, call 415-883-4498 or visit novatotheatercompany.org