Strawdog Theatre presents the World Premiere of FAIL/SAFE.
FAIL/SAFE, the 1962 best selling novel was made into movies in 1964 and 2000. The story is about a mechanical error that triggers missiles to attack Russia. The incident threatens to initiate WWIII. Director and co-adaptor Anderson Lawfer stages the action in three rooms: the flight control room, the President’s Office, and a meeting room. Lawfer, along with co-adapter Nikki Klix, have boiled down the essences into a tight, memorable seventy minutes. Lawfer and Klix keep the dialogue minimal and poignant. The audience is thrown into the volatile situation being handled with operational efficiency by the Nation’s homeland security.
I meant to view the film prior to seeing the play. I didn’t. And in a way that worked in my favor. There is a moment when the President (played by Tom Hickey) gives a covert command to Brigadier General Black (played by Carmine Grisolia) and inquires about “Kathryn and the kids.” The subtle realization of what is being asked of the General literally sent a chill up my spine. The play produces ongoing prickly epiphany sensations especially because of my unfamiliarity with the novel or movies.
As Commander-in-Chief, the outstanding Hickey controls the stage and the action with a quiet confidence. His interactions with his interpreter (played by Conor Burke) have a steady and almost paternal feel. Burke delivers his lines with delayed and forced realism.
This play version of FAIL/SAFE is real. At some points, it’s terrifyingly real. At other points, it’s tediously real. There is a lot of back and forth controlled dialogue. Although we hear some audio from the pilot en route, the action is rooted in the paper pushing decisionmakers. I guess I’ve seen too many episodes of “24” because I craved more over-the-top drama. Lawfer paces it with efficiency and a slow build-up. His choices are probably much more authentic to the reality.
Each of the ten cast members have moments of riveting discourse but then they seem awkwardly visible. Very early in the play, Joe Mack (Congressman Raskob) engages with a riveting declaration. I’m connected to his part in this event but then he doesn’t really speak again. He just stands there. The tension of the situation seems to dissipate because there is NOT a constant frenzy of activity within these three rooms. The ensemble just sits there. Although as an audience member I want to see them frantic; pacing, chain-smoking, throwing things, as a U.S. citizen I do find some comfort in the even keel functionality of leadership in dire situations. FAIL/SAFE is a timeless, disturbing eye opener.
Running Time: Seventy minutes with no interruption
At Strawdog Theatre’s Hugen Hall, 3829 N. Broadway
Based on the novel by Eugene Burdick and Harvey Wheeler
Adapted by Anderson Lawfer and Nikki Klix
Directed by Anderson Lawfer
Sundays at 12pm and 8pm
Mondays and Tuesdays at 8pm
Thru October 14th
Buy Tickets at www.strawdog.org
Production photo by Tom McGrath.
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