A different view: RLT launches new outlet for cutting-edge, topical plays
SANDRA COX
Northwest Arkansas Times - What's Up
Posted on Friday, August 15, 2008
When Rogers Little Theater announced it was creating an outlet that allows for edgier, more contemporary productions, Tom Pyron was ready.
Pyron, who has acted in a number of plays for Rogers Little Theater, knew that "Medal of Honor Rag"would be perfect. In fact, he played the lead role when he was a student at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco.
"It's a story about one man's experience in Vietnam and the aftermath that came with it," he said.
In short, pretty heavy stuff.
"Medal of Honor Rag,"which kicks off the newly created 2nd Stage series, begins tonight and continues through Sunday.
Unlike Rogers Little Theater MainStage performances, 2nd Stage shies away from comedy and musical fare. Aside from tackling topical subjects, the 2nd Stage productions also utilize small casts, minimal sets and heavy use of lighting and sound.
"Medal of Honor Rag,"written more than 30 years ago by Tom Cole, is based on the true story of Dwight Johnson, who won a Medal of Honor in Vietnam before returning to the United States and battling what is now known as post-traumatic stress disorder. Pyron said the one-act play is of a psychotherapy session that took place in 1971 in the basement of the Valley Forge Army Hospital in Pennsylvania.
"It's a drama, but it's a pretty graphic experience from that time,"Pyron said.
The cast consists of only three actors including Pyron, who is not only making his directorial debut with RLT, but plays the guard as well. The main character, Vietnam veteran D.J., is played by Justin Stewart and Jack Krupka assumes the doctor role.
Pyron has acted in other RLT productions, including playing Bob Ewell in "To Kill a Mockingbird,"Leo Clark in "Leading Ladies"and Juror No. 8 in "12 Angry Men."
Pyron called the approach to 2nd Stage's productions a "grassroots" one where anyone who wishes to put a production together must do so on their own. There's no budget, but anything from Rogers Little Theater is available as long as it doesn't interfere with any of its main productions. Sets may either be minimalistic or nonexistent altogether, he said.
"Minimalistic theater is something I have always been very interested in,"Pyron said. "Some of the best performances I've ever seen have come from nothing onstage at all -- just two actors playing in a pool of light."
Pyron said he hopes "Medal of Honor Rag"will shed some light on some of the issues that the military faces in conflict areas overseas.
"I'm really hoping that it will open people's eyes to the mental stress and the emotional stress that troops deal with when they come home and recognize the signs for help that they may need,"said Pyron, who has served in the Marine Corps Reserve.
The story isn't "candy-coated,"he said, adding that he realizes that some people are uncomfortable with seeing shows that address uncomfortable subjects.
"There's some strong language, and it has some characters that have a tendency for violence," Pyron said. "I don't expect any church groups to show up."
At least three other 2nd Stage productions are scheduled this season. The next one," Night Mother,"which deals with a woman preparing her mother to live alone, will be staged Jan. 2-4.
Posted on Friday, August 15, 2008
