The Seattle Rep is presenting David Mamet's viscously funny and hard edged masterpiece "Glengarry GLen Ross" directed by Wilson Milam. And with the level of talent up on the stage and behind it, it's no wonder the Rep has yet another hit on their hands. But I'm not sure who to give the credit to.
Let's start with the play itself. Mamet's script about the seedy underbelly of the real estate game shows him at the top of his game. One of his most widely recognizable shows, mostly due to the 1992 movie version, the story follows an office of real estate salesmen as they try and out sell each other (and sell each other out) in order to survive. And sell they must as the prize for the top seller is a new Cadillac. But if you don't sell then you'll be shown the door. The problem is the leads. All the good leads go to the top sellers so how do those at the bottom work their way up? And that's what we're here to talk about. And talk they do. Mamet truly shows himself off in this show as the word smith he is. And yes, he's not afraid to use the four letter words as well but that's how people talk, especially in this world. So if the language gets to you, maybe this one isn't for you. But if not, just let the words wash over you as they weave a tapestry of profanity interlaced with the richest subtext you're likely to find in any play. With these wonderful words to speak, the credit for this show could likely go to Mamet. The show itself is almost bulletproof. Almost.
You still need actors who can handle the subtext and the words. Got 'em! Boasting some of the best male actors Seattle has to offer, the show pops with intensity and verve right from the top. MJ Sieber is wonderful as the office manager, Williamson, who is just trying to stay alive as he swims around with these sharks. Ian Bell turns in a stunning performance as the slightly spineless James Lingk, a client who just wants to get out of the deal he's made before his wife leaves him, or worse. Bell's performance is subtle and disarming which makes his powerhouse apology so heartbreaking. Charles Leggett and R. Hamilton Wright turn in their usual sterling performances as the scheming Dave Moss and the alpha dog Ricky Roma. But the one to keep an eye on is Seattle favorite John Aylward (from TV's "ER") as the hopeless Shelly Levine. He switches from desperate to ecstatic to cocky to crushed on a dime and with amazing ease. His performance is strictly the work of a seasoned master.
OK, so the script and the cast are amazing. So that's it, right? Nope, they're not done yet. Add into that an incredible set from EuGene Lee (the audience actually applauded the first scene change before any of the dialogue had begun) and all helmed by the brilliant Milam and there's no way this show could be anything but great. Milam manages to keep all these stunning and very different characters on stage at the same time without ever losing focus on who's telling the story at any given moment. Each character manages to have his time to shine even though he's still on stage with an equally compelling one. And the pacing never once let's up. The intensity of the show never wavers. It's a train wreck from beginning to end (in a good way) and all we can do is hold on.
And while the show is not the most ground breaking production I've seen this season ("Equivocation" from earlier this season at the Rep is still the benchmark by which all other plays must be compared), this darkly comic gem is a welcome addition to an already stellar season at the Rep. So if you're not put off by Mamet's signature and gratuitous use of the F bomb, then you're bound to have a great night out with these boys.
"Glengarry GLen Ross" plays at The Seattle Repertory Theatre through February 28th. For tickets for information, contact the Rep box office at 206-443-2222 or visit them online at www.seattlerep.org.
