BWW Reviews: Pioneer Theatre Company's A FEW GOOD MEN Boasts Superb Pacing and Performances

Pioneer Theatre Company's production of A FEW GOOD MEN boasts superb pacing and performances.

A FEW GOOD MEN is a drama by Aaron Sorkin (which has been adapted into a well-known film). Set in Washington, D.C. and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in 1986, it recounts the military trial of two men who allegedly murdered a fellow Marine. The script engages the head more than the heart, but its dialogue is snappy and its narrative engrossing.

The lengthy play is almost cinematic in nature with its many short scenes played out in a number of different locations, and this production triumphs in the way it handles this challenge.

PTC Artistic Director Karen Azenberg's adept direction, combined with stellar design work, moves the show along at a brisk pace and always directs the audience's attention to the focal point of what is happening on stage.

The versatile scenic design by James Noone (Broadway's JEKYLL & HYDE) is at once symbolic and practical. It is a perfect complement for the deceptively understated lighting design by Paul Miller (Broadway's LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL).

Joe Tapper, who wowed PTC audiences with his performance as George in last season's magnificent OF MICE AND MEN, again does fine work here as Lt. J.G. Daniel A. Kaffee. He makes his character easy to identify with and takes the audience along with him for the ride.

Additional great performances are given by Kate Middleton (Lt. Comdr. Joanne Galloway) and Spencer Moses (Lt. J.G. Sam Weinberg) as fellow lawyers, Torsten Hillhouse (Lt. Col. Nathan Jessep) and Max Robinson (Capt. Matthew A. Markinson) as Marine officers, and Corey Allen (Lance Cpl. Harold Dawson) and Austin Archer (Pfc. Louden Downey) as the accused.

Content Advisory: The play contains a number of instances of strong language.

A FEW GOOD MEN plays through February 8, 2013. For tickets, call the box office at 801-581-6961 or visit www.pioneertheatre.org.

Photo Credit: L-R: Joe Tapper (Lt. J.G. Daniel Kaffee) and Torsten Hillhouse (Lt. Col. Nathan Jessep). Photo by Alexander Weisman.