Theater Reviews

Jun 13, 2006 - Nevada Rep’s “Epic Proportions” could be fun, sometimes is, but mostly isn’t

By Jack Neal

The Nevada Repertory Theatre's tepid presentation of "Epic Proportions," an obscure play by Larry Coen and David Crane, has - under the circumstances of this production - little chance of becoming better known.

The idea of what happens, or could happen, in the making of an epic motion picture is a grand one, or could be. But the usually quick-witted direction of Jim Bernardi, a seasoned director who relishes a campy play with laugh potential, isn't quick witted enough this time out to make up for the play's myriad omissions on the fun and games scene needed to promote belly laughs and giggles.

The premise of a 1930's film crew stuck on location in the remote regions of the barren Arizona desert sans indoor plumbing, with a looney-tunes hermit director, a hackneyed script, and an inexperienced cast hoping to make it big is fraught with possibilities. If a weak script doesn't boost fun into orbit, then the direction must. Although Bernardi's direction has its moments - the slow motion sequence, for example - but the moments of genuine wit and slapstick movement are too far between to make for socko lightweight entertainment.

The cast does, however, sport some young talents that help save - if not the day - at least some moments of pleasure.

Domenic Procaccini II, who plays Phil the kid from the farm who eventually rises to the lofty heights of director, has charm galore and the kind of magnetism that almost makes the play work. Pat Donahue, the star-struck kid who plays Phil's brother, Benny, has a wide-eyed innocence and character command that is fun to watch as he climbs his way to the stars and romance.

The romantic interest of the two brothers and their collective stepping stone to tinsel town success is supplied by the engaging Sarah Potts, who plays the very earnest Louise Goldman, assistant to the largely absent director D.W. DeWitt. When DeWitt finally emerges it's in the guise of bearded character actor Brian Barney who gives DeWitt a deliciously challenged look of fading directorial competence.

Kimberlee A. Pechnik makes the most of Cochette, the lesbian costume designer who has more designs on women than on her sketch pad. Emily Anderson is the movie within the play's queen and she plays her with appropriate exasperation.

Brady Hess pays his dues by playing three roles - Octavium, the shouting emperor, Slave Master, the homoerotic lover of beatings, and Roman General, the posturer. In each case, Hess more than rises to the occasion.

The scenic, lighting and sound designs (largely movie-music underscoring that's quite effective) are all by Michael Fernbach, who does his usual professional job.

But, alas, the ad and program proclamations of "Adventure! Mystery! Romance! Gladiators! Live! Uncut and in color!" are expectations too often not met. Many good parts do not add up to a cohesive whole, making "Epic Proportions" more of a grandiose idea gone astray than a solid evening of theatrical fun.

"Epic Proportions" plays June 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, and 17 (2006) at 7:30 p.m. at the Redfield Studio Theatre on the campus of the University of Nevada, Reno, 900 North Virginia Street, Reno, Nevada. For tickets call 1-800-225-2277. For information call 775-784-4ART.