"I want to kill an Arab," he says in a flurry of jingoistic rage, "... throw his body down in front of his wife and kids."
It's a line that wouldn't have been so intense four months ago, but since Sept. 11 it takes on a new, unsettling realism. That's only one of many things in the play that will have theatergoers talking.
Circle Theatre is bold to take on this show, which is based on the true story of hostages in Beirut in the '80s and early '90s. The production is worth seeing for the script's beauty and its topicality, but unfortunately, it comes with a sprinkling of flaws.
Tompkins gives the standout performance. His Adam is tough and determined, but when it's time for emotional disintegration, he mines the right amount of pathos in a remarkably affecting turn.
Adam's cellmates are an Irish journalist, Edward (Jack Foltyn) and a British teacher, Michael (Kevin Scott Keating). ) Both, especially Foltyn, have good moments, but they also rely on unnecessary stereotypes of nationalities and accents. Occasionally, Keating's reactions seem forced or overcooked.
But what weakens this production is director Kerry Cole's decision to draw parallels between then and now by adding Iran-contra sound bites, from the likes of former presidents George Bush and Ronald Reagan speaking about terrorismwith such phrases as "uncivilized barbarians." This kind of political overconceptualization is always risky, especially when the script is this compelling; the words and emotions should be all the drama we need.
Mark Lowry, (817) 390-7747 markl@star-telegram.com
Someone Who'll Watch Over Me
Through Nov. 17; 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 4 and 8:30 p.m. Saturday at Circle Theatre, 230 W. Fourth St., Fort Worth
Tickets: $15-$25
Call: 817-877-3040
