Fatherland

[Jane Zussman]

Fatherland - wow. 90 minutes of traumatic truth in Stephen Sachs’s “verbatim” script, a genre which uses actual transcripts, primary sources, letters and recordings from real people. 

Director Chad Swan Badgero chose this script as ideal for Peppermint Creek’s “based on a true story” season of shows. A patriotic, gun-toting father is swept up in the stolen-election storm prior to the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol attack; his son turns him in to the FBI and testifies against him in court.

Chad added movement and dynamism that combined with sincere acting to elevate what could have been a “talky” script into a dynamic theatrical ride. It brings to life two believable family members, torn apart by divergent passions about what is true and right for our country.

Keara Hayes is excellent as the determined, frightened teenage son finding the courage to turn on his militia leader father. Mark Gmazel is convincing as the hyped-up “patriot” father bent on storming the capitol and redeeming a stolen election. The pull of father-son love and blame is twisted and stretched between these two.

Supporting them are Rose Jangmi Cooper as the US Attorney and Jonas Greenberg as the defense attorney, ably providing a provocative framework for the fathers and son’s testimony. The impressive cracked-capitol backdrop for the courtroom furniture (Set Design Ross Brower) and the dramatic sound, both recorded newscasts and tension-building and emphatic sounds (Sound Design Stewart Blackwood) add perspective and emotion.

In case you missed it, Bridgette Redman wrote an excellent preview article explaining more about this show in today’s Lansing State Journal

https://lansingjournal-mi.newsmemory.com/?publink=1bb895b02_1351f3f

Fatherland continues through February 1 at Stage One at Sycamore Creek Eastwood, 2200 Lake Lansing Rd, across from McAllister’s Deli. Driveway on the east side of the building; parking and entry in the back, up stairs or elevator. Handicap parking in the front. General admission tickets at https://peppermintcreek.org/event/fatherland/

Jane Zussman

G.L.U.T. List

(Greater Lansing Ubiquitous Theatre)

cell 517-930-0932

JSZu...@gmail.com

http://www.greaterlansingtheatre.net 

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