Review: THE DODGERS: Laidback Production Benefits From Some Amazing Performances

THE DODGERS /written by Diana Amsterdam/directed by Dave Solomon/ Hudson Mainstage Theatre/thru February 28, 2016

Nice workshop presentation of the world premiere of Diana Amsterdam's THE DODGERS. When the show begins with the Jefferson Airplane's "White Rabbit" over the house speakers, expectations soar high for this tale of a group of friends plotting to beat the draft lottery circa 1969. Maybe, joints should have been passed out along with the programs, so that the audience could be on the same plane as the characters in the opening scenes - as Dave Solomon directed - in a most relaxed, lethargic state of being high.

Michael Carnahan and Ann Beyersdorfer have designed a wonderful, elaborately detailed hippie living space in a barn with Jen Schreiver and Ben Green's effective, intriguing lighting illuminating the outsides of the barn walls. Kudos also to costumer Ann Closs Farley for her colorful, on-point variety of period hippie outfits.

Those of this game ensemble who have their individual moments to shine on stage: Talisa Friedman as the free-loving, free-spirited Patti who sees nothing wrong with being viewed as a sex object. Patti views sex as her giving pleasure to others, especially to the one she loves Mick (Asher Grodman), the frontman of the barn musical group. Friedman's charisma and energetic naiveté liven the stage whenever she speaks.

Jared Gertner (as bassman Sidowsky) and Eric Nelsen (as Chili the drummer) provide the much needed comic relief in this high dramatic, yet laid back play. The versatile Gertner grabs centerstage as the physically ill draftee; then again, later having a mental meltdown. He even plays harmonica while clucking to his chickens. Nelsen's sly delivery of Chili's sarcasm/disses comes in fine contrast to his stand-up defense of Patti in his strong confrontational scene with Grodman.

Others include Corbin Bleu in a non-musical role of Simon, the band's pianist, and Emma Hunton as Jane, Simon's caustic love interest who lives in the main house adjacent to the barn.

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