Common Ground's 40th Annual
The Value Of Names
Ronelle Grier
Contributing Writer
A
re certain actions beyond
the realm of forgiveness?
Can art be judged regard-
less of the artist's character? What
happens when personal ethics col-
lide with the path of one's chosen
career?
These are some of the weighty
questions posed by playwright
Jeffrey Sweet in his
80-minute drama,
The Value of Names,
the 2014-15 Jewish
Ensemble Theatre season opener.
Directed by Yolanda Fleisher,
the play takes place more than 30
years after the notorious 1947 hear-
ings of the House Un-American
Activities Committee, spearheaded
by the late Sen. Joseph McCarthy,
which resulted in the blacklisting of
hundreds of actors, screenwriters,
directors and other Hollywood art-
ists accused of having Communist
affiliations.
The story centers on black-
list victim and longtime comic
actor Benny Silverman (Thomas
Mahard); his aspiring actress
daughter, Norma (commendably
played by his real-life daughter,
Kathryn Mahard); and Leo Greshin
(Phil Powers), a successful director
whose testimony was instrumental
in placing Silverman on the black-
list.
The story unfolds on the pictur-
esque ocean-view patio of Benny's
California home, complete with
lattice-trimmed redwood decking,
a lemon tree and colorful Calder-
esque mobiles created by actor
Thomas Mahard.
Father and daughter are arguing
over Norma's decision to change
her last name when Norma drops a
bigger bombshell: The director of
the play she has recently been cast
in has taken ill, and his replace-
ment is none other than Benny's
old nemesis.
Benny, who has never
forgiven Leo for betray-
ing him to the McCarthy
committee, announces
he will not attend her play if Leo is
involved.
The drama intensifies when Leo
arrives unannounced, ostensibly
to persuade Norma to remain in
the show, and the two old friends
come face to face for the first time
in 30 years. Their confrontation
constitutes the play's most power-
ful scene, demonstrating the con-
siderable talents of both Thomas
Mahard and Powers.
The impressive set is courtesy of
designer Daniel C. Walker, props
and set decorator Diane Ulseth and
lighting designer Scott R. Ross.
Sound design is by Matt Lira and
costumes by Mary Copenhagen. ❑
REVIEW
JET presents The Value of
Names through Oct.12. Show
times and tickets:
(248) 788-2900;
www.jettheatre.org .
SEPTEMBER 20 & 21
Zi
Saturday, lOarn — 6pm • Sunday, 10am — 5pm
On Old Woodward in downtown Birmingham
Common Presenting the original artwork of 150 jury-selected artists.
Ground
Featuring the Annual Art Auction to benefit Common Ground.
Plus, kids'art activities with the DIA. Admission is free.
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