Theater Reviews

Jun 6, 2000 - Reno Little Theater's Stormy, Exceptional "Strange Snow"

By Jack Neal

"Strange Snow," by Steve Metcalfe, is about a turbulent reunion between two ravaged Vietnam War veterans at the New England farmhouse of one of them, where his sister, a plain and unhappy spinster school teacher, acts as his house keeper.

The play, which opened last Friday (6/2/2000), can be seen this Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Reno Little Theater's temporary digs at Reno's Elks Club.

It's an excellent production of a play that has power, it just isn't power generated by the Vietnam War. Metcalfe's Vietnam overplot is trite and unconvincing. What is terribly convincing is the play's delicate insight into the awkward grace that nudges two emotionally starved people toward each other.

Under Terri Gray's sensitive and thought-provoking direction, "Strange Snow" radiates truth and pathos as community theaterseldom does, or - for that matter - professional theater rarely does often enough.

As the spinster teacher, Martha, Julie Robertson at first underplays, then crescendos her performance into a beautifully modulated statement of hope that the sorry life destiny has dealt Martha might ultimately have some moments of requited joy. As her accidental suitor, Megs, the gifted young actor Gary Metzker is simply sensational. The inventiveness, subtlety and assurance with which he explores the depths of his character is unerring.

Neil Brown is Dave, the buddy Megs comes to visit ostensibly out of some battlefield promise. Brown is the third actor in this three-character show, and while not as affecting as Robertson and Metzker, he is nonetheless thoroughly believable and holds up his end of this very good theatrical bargain handsomely.

It's difficult to make theater work in what is the lodge hall at the Elks Club. But I liked what I saw. The set is a hodgepodge, but then New England farmhouses are usually hodgepodges. Neil Roberts and Terri Gray are responsible for the set's design, which is set in front of blow-ups of Vietnam War newspaper articles. What they have managed is a visual environment that fits Metcalfe's material and allows the play to flow without hesitation. Rick Patton has designed the lighting. It's to the point and on the mark in all ways. Bill Quimby has designed the sound, and - if he's also responsible for the sensitive musical selections and subtle volumes of sound of this production's underscoring - all the more reason to praise his work.

I'm sure there are more people to mention who've made this very fine presentation work. Perhaps they'll be assuaged for their lack of public notoriety with the encouragement that's made here that those who love good theater will love what Reno Little Theater is doing with "Strange Snow." It's very fine theater and too good to miss.

"Strange Snow" concludes its run with performances this Friday and Saturday, June 9 and 10 (2000), at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, June 11, at 2 p.m. "Strange Snow" is a Reno Little Theater presentation and can be seen at the Elks Club at 597 Kumle Lane, Reno. For ticket information call 775-329-0661.