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Bang the Drum Slowly
By Mark Harris
Adapted by Eric Simonson
Directed by Tony Adams
At Steep Theatre
3902 N. Sheridan
Chicago, IL
Call 312-458-0722, tickets $15
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM
Running time is 2 hours with intermission
Through July 1, 2006
More than just another ‘baseball play;’ Bang the Drum Slowly fires one right down the middle
Steep Theatre, an ambitious and talented ensemble based storefront troupe, has dedicated this season to doing shows about “Watching a Buddy Die.” Catch 22, Of Mice and Men and The Night Heron each deal with matters of friendship, loyalty and the fear of facing death. In Bang the Drum Slowly, we see a New York professional baseball team ( the Mammoth’s) struggling to win a pennant in the mid 1950’s when players were paid meager wages that forced them to work off-season jobs.
Bang the Drum Slowly is based on Mark Harris’ novel which was a successful movie starring Michael Moriarty and Robert DeNiro. Steppenwolf ensemble member, Eric Simonson adapted it for the stage. The play is much more than a ‘baseball play’ in that it deals with a group (the team) trying to deal with a member who is dying from Hodgkin’s disease while they compete for a championship. This play unfolds on several levels.
It is a funny look at a team trying to overcome prejudice, dugout banter and personal issues in an attempt to finish ahead of Washington in the standings. The play never gets too sentimental nor too morose. Essentially, Bang the Drum Slowly is a play about friendship and the uncomfortable necessity of facing death head on when one close to you becomes terminal. Dying with dignity is demonstrated by Bruce Pearson (Alex Gillmor), the second-string catcher who is slow of wit but pure of heart. Gillmor gives the not-too-bright Georgian a low-key spirit that raises him to level of dignity that few characters ever reach. We care yet we accept as he does the inevitability of his death. Gillmor is excellent as the lowly catcher.
Peter Moore, as Author Wiggen, the star lefty pitcher, friend of Pearson and narrator delivers a steady and subdued performance as the catcher’s friend and guardian. Jim Poole, as Dutch, the high-spirited manager, is the pure old-fashion leader bent on knowing everything about his ball players. He keeps digging until Author finally leaks out the story about Pearson’s condition. Secrets can never be keep from teammates for a six month season. Gillmor, Moore and Poole anchor the show with fine performances.
Bang the Drum Slowly is rich in old-time baseball clichés but never at the expense of the story as we see a star player force management to keep his friend, a marginal player, on the team as a condition for the star to sign his contract. This was a rare event in the days before free agency. Keeping the secret from 25 players and the manager was difficult and the effects on each player once the news about Pearson came out was realistic and poignant. Men find it difficult to deal with death as shown by the team’s reaction.
Bang the Drum Slowly is a play that mixes light tones with serious one and it is filled with 50’s baseball dialogue and the crude charm that borders on allegory. With guys know as “Author,” “Dutch,” “Blondie” and “Ugly,” you know you’re dealing with a mythic sports era.
The production deftly uses the large cast (18 players) and director Tony Adams has a quick pace going that smoothly moves the story along despite the many blackouts needed due to the many scenes. This is a fine ensemble piece that allows baseball to become a vehicle for a glimpse of human truth that resonates for all of us. The play is well acted and understated emotionally that gives its story haunting power. With the Cubs doing so poorly, Steep Theatre offers the only true baseball drama in Wrigleyville.
Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2006
Jeff Recommended
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