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Mountain
By Douglas Scott
Directed by Mark E. Lococo
At Apple Tree Theatre
1850 Green Bay Road
Highland Park, IL
Call 847-432-4335, tickets $35 - $45
Tuesdays at 7:30 PM
Wednesdays at 7:30 PM
Fridays at 8 PM
Saturdays at 5 & 8:30 PM
Sundays at 3 & 7 PM
Running time is 2 hours with intermission
Through December 17, 2006
Inspiring look at a judicial giant
Apple Tree Theatre’s new digs offers a 90 seat house with fine sight lines utilizing an in-the-round format. Their initial production, Mountain by Douglas Scott, is a biographical drama of the life of William O. Douglas (1898-1980). The maverick Supreme Court Justice (1939-1975) was a notable liberal, individual and civil liberties advocate who believed a judge should have life experiences and adventures with the common man to be an effective justice.
Douglas was a rugged individualist who loved camping, mountain climbing and hiking. Nature was his intoxication. First Amendment, civil rights and the environment and wilderness protection as well as siding with the rights of individuals versus government interference were scared to him.
Playwright Douglas Scott sprinkles the piece with Douglas quotes and homilies that capture the essence of this controversial dissenter whose life was raw adventure that included four wives (the last one 50 years younger that he).
Craig Spidle was terrific as Douglas as he deftly takes us through the colorful judge’s life. He gets strong supporting work from Carey Cannon and Kurt Ehrmann who both play multiple roles from Presidents to judges to wives to a mother. This is an engaging venture that makes history come alive as we share the passion of a man focused on making a difference in his world.
Apple Tree’s production was swift and nicely staged and the intimate new space gave the show strength. The threesome worked well to convey the judge’s life. I’d cut about 15 minutes from the last portion of act two and I’d make some of the transitions easier to follow for non-history buffs.
However, Mountain is a little epic filled with important issues and ideas that shows how a man with passion can never be silenced. Douglas was served well by Craig Spidle’s earthy performance. This is a worthy play for teens and college students who are desperate for positive role models. Today, we could use a few mavericks like Justice Douglas.
Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed: November 29, 2006
Jeff Recommended
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