Gallery Players Open THE FARNSWORTH INVENTION Tonight

Gallery Players' latest play takes big ideas and historical events -- who invented television and how -- and turns them into a very intimate look at two men and their race to make the impossible possible. From the mind of Aaron Sorkin, creator of The West Wing, The Farnsworth Invention is equal parts character study, history lesson (albeit not 100% historically accurate), and moving drama. Premiering tonight, May 2 at 8 pm in the Roth/Resler Theater of the JCC, the play tells the story of the invention of television from the perspective of its inventor, Philo T. Farnsworth, and his rival, RCA president and early radio pioneer, David Sarnoff.

Director John Dranschak looks forward to taking Sorkin's well-written play, with its sharp, witty dialogue that humanizes very technical subject matter, and bringing it to life for audiences this spring. "Sorkin's greatest strength is the use of language and the way he writes smart characters talking about things that they're experts on. That goes through all his work, from Sports Night to The Social Network. And that's very present in this play. You have two characters who are both incredibly smart and articulate and believe strongly that their opinion is the right one. That makes for tremendous conflict and great tension," Dranschak explained.

Dranschak, who returns to Gallery Players after last directing David Mamet's November in 2012, is Executive Producer for Red Herring Productions and has been directing since 2001. He last directed Romance/Romance in February. He is eager to shed light on the little known story of Philo T. Farnsworth. "A lot of people don't know the story of Farnsworth or even think about who invented television. But when you think about it now, it's a miraculously pervasive invention. Even if you take television out of it, he pretty much invents a screen. Now we have all of these screens in our lives, whether it's your computer, your phone, your watch. To tell audiences the story of where it all comes from and to do it in an entertaining way, it's a great opportunity," he said.

Stefan Langer, who plays the titular role of Philo T. Farnsworth, agreed, "It uncovers history that's been taken for granted. After this show, people are going to look at their televisions with a lot more respect for the beginnings it had," said Langer. Last seen playing George in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf with Adrenaline Theatre Group, Langer is excited to make his debut on the Gallery Players' Eisenstein Stage. He has worked with Actors' Theatre and Available Light Theatre, but this is his first time working with director John Dranschak.

"I've wanted to work with the director, John Dranschak, for a really long time, so it kind of feels like an embarrassment of riches right now," Langer enthused. He also is enjoying working with fellow cast members, including Ian Short, who plays David Sarnoff. "Ian's a very generous actor with incredible focus. As an actor, I love finding a natural way to deliver a mouthful of dialogue, and it's a real treat to play off of Ian's Sarnoff. Everyone is completely committed to what they're doing and these scenes are really coming to life now."

For Short, a seasoned theater veteran and founding company member of Available Light Theatre, playing the role of Sarnoff is also thrilling. "It's just a really fun, juicy role," said Short, who most recently has worked in film, starring in The Echo Effect with Michael Jai White and Steve Austin. Right now, Short is enjoying taking on the tragic figure of Sarnoff, who, in the hands of Aaron Sorkin, is given many layers and shades of gray as Farnsworth's adversary.

"I really don't think he comes across as the bad guy, nor does he win. This is a man who had a vision and really wanted the best for humanity. He wanted to make radio and television something that would elevate civilization, but he compromises his ideals in order to make that happen," said Short. As with Farnsworth, whose invention is taken out of his hands completely, the tragedy for Sarnoff's character lies not only in seeing television's potential corrupted, but also in seeing his own ideals corrupted.

"In the beginning of the play, we see Sarnoff rise from humble beginnings, being forced out of his house by Cossacks in Russia, then coming to America. He was fired from his first job for refusing to work on a Jewish holiday. He was proud of his Jewish heritage and never tried to hide it," Short explained.

The play is intriguing in its tacit exploration of ethics and morality. Jordan Berman, who is a member of the ensemble and plays as many as six characters throughout the play, enjoys the intricate themes. "I think there is a lot that can be resonant. These are universal themes in terms of the moral obligations one has. There's broader content in terms of what responsibility do we have... to be using where we are as a force for good?," Berman pointed out.

As a human rights lawyer who was last seen in Gallery Players' Bad Jews, Berman finds the parallels between the two adversaries interesting, too. "Both of them have very lofty ideals and theoretically want to use television as a force for good. But I don't think they go about it the same way and I don't think either could have predicted that 100 years later people would still be having this debate about whether it's the downfall of civilization. It is a tremendously powerful tool, just like the Internet... it all boils down to how one interacts with it."

As for what Farnsworth would think of how his invention turned out, Langer noted, "I think this idea that the world could be shared was exactly what Philo had in mind. We've taken it to a crazy degree, but ultimately, I think this is what he wanted, people from one end of the world to the other to see and share important moments in history." For Sarnoff, perhaps his view of where television landed would be more bittersweet, Short pointed out. "The thing about Sarnoff is that he's never satisfied where he is; he's always looking for the next horizon. There's a very telling line at the end, where I say, 'We were meant to be explorers.' It's always about moving to the next thing," said Short.

Fans of Sorkin, history, and great acting are implored not only to order tickets to one of the seven performances of The Farnsworth Invention, running May 2-17, but to also visit the JCC's lobby where an exhibit showcasing the history of early television will be on display throughout the play's run. In addition, the community is invited to join Steve McVoy, founder of The Early Television Foundation in Hilliard, as he leads a free talkback discussion with the cast and director John Dranschak following the final 2:30 p.m. performance on Sunday, May 17. The Q&A session will focus on the history of television and the contributions of Farnsworth. For more information, visit www.jccgalleryplayers.org or call 614-231-2731.

The JCC of Greater Columbus, located at 1125 College Ave., Columbus, is a human service organization offering a varied program that is largely Jewish in nature. It is committed to enhancing the quality of family life and promoting the physical, intellectual and spiritual wellness of the individual. It provides health-related activities and cultural and educational programs that reflect the Jewish heritage. Although primarily a membership JCC, the JCC of Greater Columbus also delivers services to the community at large, including populations at risk. Through its wide array of programs, the JCC pursues its mission of strengthening the individual, family and community. For general information, contact the front desk of the JCC at (614) 231-2731. The JCC is a beneficiary of The Columbus Jewish Federation, and a United Way Agency, affiliated with The JCC Association.

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