All hail "Major Barbara."
The Rogue Theatre opened the George Bernard Shaw play last week and it is a joy.
Shaw's language, his luscious wit, and his penchant for writing theater that makes you laugh and think at the same time was a comfortable, exciting fit for the company.
Director David Morden saw to it that the flow was quick, the intentions clear, the drama and the characters given the depth they deserve.
Shaw first presented "Major Barbara" in 1905. It was quite a scandal: It addressed hypocrisy in religion and took society to task for its acceptance of poverty.
And it did it in the most effective way - with eloquent language, strong storytelling, and enormous wit.
Major Barbara is one of two daughters of a long-absent father, Andrew Undershaft. She is devoted to saving souls through the Salvation Army. He is devoted to becoming rich through his munitions factory.
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When Undershaft gives money to the Salvation Army - and the organization accepts it - Barbara is horrified at the hypocrisy of accepting money from a weapons-maker when the Salvation Army is so opposed to war. And so the debates begin.
Can tainted money do good work? Is wealth wrong or can it effect change? Can one be both realistic and idealistic? And war - what about war?
It's astounding that this play is 106 years old - it speaks about issues that are as relevant today as they were back in Shaw's time. And it does it without ever preaching. In fact, one walks away hungry for a discussion about the issues.
The play is full of rich characters, and the Rogue ensemble did not disappoint.
Marissa Garcia's Barbara made the evolution from strident to thoughtful with an ease and conviction; Cynthia Meier's turn as her mother, Lady Britomart, a feisty and pushy woman who cares deeply about appearances, was spot on in arrogance and shrewdness, and Joseph McGrath's portrayal of Andrew Undershaft was wrapped in a warmth tempered with pragmatism.
And Matt Bowdren was sublime as Adolphus, Barbara's fiancé. He is a bit of a hypocrite - he joined the Salvation Army because he wanted to win Barbara's heart, not save souls - and Bowdren gives him a charm and depth that brings him into sharp focus.
In the past, the Rogue has struggled with large-cast productions. Not this time: 14 actors filled the stage and while there wasn't always perfection, there was always deep commitment.
"Major Barbara" is an exhilarating production from a company that does not shy away from challenging theater.
We repeat: All hail "Major Barbara." This is one you don't want to miss.
Review
"Major Barbara"
• By: George Bernard Shaw.
• Presented by: The Rogue Theatre.
• Director: David Morden.
• When: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Continues through Sept. 25.
• Where: 300 E. University Blvd., in the Historic Y.
• Tickets: $30; half-price tickets on Thursday. $15 student rush 15 minutes before curtain of every performance.
• Reservations, information: www.theroguetheatre.org or 551-2053.
• Cast: Cynthia Meier; Lee Rayment; Marissa Garcia; Jennifer Rose Hijazi; Daniel Thompson; Matt Bowdren; Paul Barby; Joseph McGrath; Leanné Whitewolf-Charlton; Lucas Gonzalez; David Greenwood; Dylan Page; Matt Walley; Kathryn Kellner.
• Running time: 2 hours, 30 minutes, with two intermissions.
• Et cetera: There will be music 15 minutes before each curtain, and discussions after all shows.
Contact reporter Kathleen Allen at kallen@azstarnet.com or 573-4128.
