Paper Tiger In The Rain
Paper Tiger in the Rain, Timely and Poignant new work at the Black Box Theatre
Marquette, MI – The Panowski Playwriting award winning work, “Paper Tiger in the Rain” by David Swanson is premiering at the James Panowski Black Box Theatre on NMU’s campus, Sept 30 – Oct.4; Oct. 7-11. The play, written by David Swanson, is a timely story about a small newspaper and its struggles to cope with changing times, media, and financial pressures associated with those issues.
Ben Flynn, played by Dorsey Sprouls, tries to stop editor-in-chief Nathan Parker, played by Rusty Bowers, from burning down the newsroom in the latest theatre production at the Panowski Black Box Theatre “Paper Tiger in the Rain.” (photo by Ron Caspi)
It is also, and perhaps more importantly, an examination of dreams and expectations versus the reality of actually getting what you’ve dreamed and worked for. Is it really what you hoped it would be? Is it satisfying? Is it enough? Or is it hollow and lacking, leaving you yearning for something more or different? It is an interesting and well written work, and, as mentioned earlier, very timely considering the rapidly evolving news and media markets that the digital age has ushered in.
The play opens on the retirement party of the Beacon-Telegraph’s long term Editor-In-Chief, Damon. Damon is well-loved and respected by all. Damon, played capably by Jim Greene, announces that Nathan Parker will take over as both Editor-In-Chief and Managing Editor of the paper. Nathan has devoted his life to the paper and his promotion is well received by most.
Damon then takes Nathan to his new office, sits him down at the boss’ desk for the first time, and lowers the reality boom on Nathan. The paper is in trouble. Financial trouble. Big trouble. And Nathan will have his work cut out for him trying to save his beloved paper. Damon also has a “parting gift” for Nathan, a new hire starting the following Monday. Ben Flynn is a blogger who will work for the paper. Nathan has no grasp of how or why the addition of this kid who writes top-of-mind and normally for free will aid the newspaper.
Actresses from “Paper Tiger In The Rain” perform during a dress rehearsal. (photo by Ron Caspi)
Nathan and his crew brainstorm to try to find a way to increase sales and save the paper. There is an additional story line, story of lost love that probably should be its own separate play. Nathan has been editing the obituaries all the years since his wife passed, waiting for news of the death of his lost love’s husband so he can try to rekindle once they once had.
I suppose that this helps to drive home the message about waiting and wanting and whether it is all worth it in the end, but I didn’t feel it was needed or added to this play. I know that it was the initial idea that sparked Mr. Swanson to write “Paper Tiger” and I encourage him to take that original concept and expand on it—there is a really good play waiting to see the light of day there.
There are some very strong performances from this cast. Rusty Bowers delivers a powerful performance in the lead role of Nathan Parker. Rusty is well known on local stages and always delivers. This role is no exception. The feeling of pride and accomplishment that he displays when he first gets his life dream is palpable. And his interactions with his long lost love are touching.
Ed Higbee, played by Tom Lee, speaks with editor-in-chief Nathan Parker, played by Rusty Bowers, during dress rehearsal at the Panowski Black Box Theatre. (photo Ron Caspi)
Ben Flynn, blogger, is played exceptionally well by Dorsey Sprouls. Again, I always find him to be a delight on stage. This role is more nuanced than one might think from the start. 24 year old slacker/blogger, not concerned about tradition or normal work, his character could have been written and acted as a two-dimensional stereotype. Thankfully Mr. Swanson wrote him as a fully fleshed out and pivotal character and Dorsey latches on and really runs with it.
The relationship between Nathan and Ben grows and evolves. The final scenes involving the two of them are electric and engaging. Powerful acting and interpretation by both of them. Alexandra Marks delivers a great performance as Nathan’s lost love. She is quite believable as the object of his long held desires and ultimately, his disappointment.
Tom Lee also shines as Ed Higbee, another long term employee of the paper. Ed is even more entrenched in his traditional values and view of journalism than Nathan and has more than a few quibbles with the path that Nathan has chosen to try to increase circulation.
It was a good decision to put this show in the Black Box. The audience feels very much as if they are inside the newspaper offices, part of the action. The set was cleverly designed by Steve McClain and is suggestive rather than “real” and serves the intimate space and material well.
Paul Truckey’s staging and direction added to that feel. He was not afraid to have the actors talk to each other, not to the audience. He wanted it to feel real and he accomplished that. Paul helmed a tight production with a cast that really felt like they knew each other, worked with each other daily, seemed like they were interacting with one another rather than acting.
“Paper Tiger in the Rain” playwright David Swanson. (photo Ron Caspi)
Overall a very good effort from a first-time playwright. It is always a rewarding challenge to work with new material. In talking to Mr. Swanson before the production he had nothing but praise for the process of bringing his first full length production to life here at NMU. From the initial read-throughs and workshops to the final production, he enjoyed the way he was treated and the way that his work was interpreted and polished.
I enjoyed the production and the writing quite a bit. “Paper Tiger in the Rain” runs Tuesday through Saturday of this week and next in the Panowski Black Box Theatre in the McClintock building on NMU’s campus. Tickets and more information are available at www.nmu.edu/tickets or by calling the NMU box office at 906-227-1032. I wholeheartedly suggest you go seed this show. Nice to have fresh material well produced here in Marquette.
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