Originally published September 9, 2014 at 2:00 PM | Page modified September 9, 2014 at 2:44 PM<\/p>\n
In The Break of Noon, a man becomes determined to spread spiritual enlightenment after surviving a mass shooting, and in a mordant series of episodes, we bear witness to unabashed solipsism, casual cruelty and a host of fractured relationships. In other words, its a Neil LaBute play, even if his poison pen doesnt sting with the precision seen in stronger works like his 1997 film, In the Company of Men. <\/p>\n
ReAct Theatre presents the local premiere of the play in a sparse, uneven production that sometimes struggles with the brusque rhythms of LaButes dialogue. It doesnt help matters that some of his self-contained scenes are widely inferior to others, though director David Hsieh gives them all a chance to work with his measured pacing. <\/p>\n
William Poole stars as John Smith, the lone survivor of an office massacre perpetrated by a disgruntled former employee, and he believes his survival means hes been chosen as a messenger of God. Problem is, John doesnt seem to have a very strong grasp on what the message is, and in a series of scenes with his ex, a prostitute and others, it becomes clear hes not quite the born-again man he thinks he is. <\/p>\n
LaButes broadsides against American greed and mass-media vapidity are thudding and obvious, though actors Malcolm J. West and Corinne Magin are sharp as a money-grubbing lawyer and a faux-sincere TV host. Scenes with relatives and loved ones are a little more convincing, especially the spat that bubbles up when John tries to reconcile with his ex-wife (an incredulous Jennifer Crooks). <\/p>\n
As the typical LaBute egotistical male, Poole excels at portraying an enthusiastic evangelist of his own self-importance literally, in the plays closing monologue but hes missing the mean streak that would complete the package. The Break of Noon has its moments, but its far from the complete package itself. <\/p>\n
Dusty Somers: dustysomers@gmail.com<\/a> <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Visit link:<\/p>\n ReAct stages Neil LaButes mordant The Break of Noon<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Originally published September 9, 2014 at 2:00 PM | Page modified September 9, 2014 at 2:44 PM In The Break of Noon, a man becomes determined to spread spiritual enlightenment after surviving a mass shooting, and in a mordant series of episodes, we bear witness to unabashed solipsism, casual cruelty and a host of fractured relationships. In other words, its a Neil LaBute play, even if his poison pen doesnt sting with the precision seen in stronger works like his 1997 film, In the Company of Men. Continue reading