A thank you goes to the Guild Theatre, Rockdale, for allowing people the opportunity to see Aaron Sorkin’s drama ‘A Few Good Men’ live on stage. Not many people would know that ‘A Few Good Men’ was originally a play before it became Rob Reiner’s famous ‘you can’t handle the truth’ film.
Jennifer Gilchrist’s production is a worthy revival of Sorkin’s classic story. The strength of ‘A Few Good Men’ has always lain in its strong characters. The Guild cast play their roles well. Paul Miller is convincing and fiery as the ultimate military hard man Colonel Jessep. Andrew Fritz does well as the laid back Lieutenant Kaffee, a plea bargaining lawyer who has to face the challenges of the courtroom. Clare Mason is good as the demanding, straight-shooting Lieutenant Commander Joanna Galloway. Paul Newton does droll well as Kaffee’s colleague, Lieutenant Weinberg. Michael Pippett hits the right note as the not very bright, under the thumb private Downey, and Justin Moses plays the proud, sometimes articulate Corporal Downey.
Gilchrist orchestrates the dramatic tension well, as the play leads up to its strong climax. Bill Ayers compact set design works effectively, encompassing everything within the small Guild stage. The stage is dominated stage left by the haunting backdrop of a Guantanamo Bay watchtower.
‘A Few Good Men’ plays the Guild Theatre, Walz Street, Rockdale until 29th November.
