Stage Review: Searing dialogue makes for acting showcase in 'Glengarry'

Shelley Levene (Jerry Chipman), Moss (Barclay Roberts) and Richard (John Moore) of "Glengarry Glen Ross" are three of the most despicable characters to have befouled a stage.

In spite of the fact that David Mamet's Pulitzer Prize-winning play "Glengarry Glen Ross" is nearly 30 years old and many people have seen the film version of it, you might be surprised to learn that it's still a controversial title for some subscribers to Theatre Memphis. At least that's what the theater seems to be saying with the multiple posted warnings that the play contains naughty words — a big steaming pile of them, exuberantly expressed by a group of the most backbiting, despicable characters ever to have befouled a stage.

The warnings shouldn't deter most. It's well worth a plunge into this cynical cesspool of language and economic Darwinism to see ensemble acting at its finest and to feel the in-your-face intensity of Mamet's work played out on the intimate Next Stage.

So here's a warning to those who actually enjoy an impolite drama once in a while: If you miss this show, you'll regret it.

To actors, "Glengarry Glenn Ross" is a play for virtuosos. In trying to make the language as realistic as possible, Mamet transcribed all the stutters, sudden thought changes, hesitations and interruptions that pepper real-life conversations. The text is full of dashes, commas and over-lapping dialogue, which actors have much room to interpret. It takes a great sense of timing to pull it together. Furthermore, because most of the characters are greedy real estate salesmen desperate to close a deal, there's a thick sludge of subtext lying beneath every word. Everyone has an ulterior motive.

Tony Isbell, an actor who has played his share of malevolent roles (such as the scheming Salieri in last season's "Amadeus"), is an apt choice to direct "Glengarry Glen Ross." The three beautifully rendered scenes in the first act are a remarkable triptych of dominance and submission, as the three main characters each try to get what they want.

Jerry Chipman, as Shelley Levene, is a faltering salesman past his prime who will do just about anything to get solid leads from the office manager John, played by Ryan Kathman. Barclay Roberts is the powder keg Moss, trying to convince a meek coworker, George (James Dale Green), to be his accomplice in a crime. Finally, John Moore plays the slick operator Richard Roma, whose sales tactics are as vile as they are seductive.

Chipman, Roberts and Moore are never less than captivating in their respective and distinct roles. In an office where only the top sellers get the good leads and rewards, they are colleagues who circle around one another like hungry sharks.

Who will come out on top? Who will get eaten? Mamet's fiery statement about greed and selfishness is as potent now as it was in 1984, thanks to an ensemble that captures the voracious energy of Mamet's language.

'Glengarry Glen Ross'

Performances continue at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 2 at Theatre Memphis, 630 Perkins Ext. Tickets are $23 adults and $15 students. Call (901) 682-8323.

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