After a series of wonderful shows, Raven closes its 2011-2012 season on a high note with their production of “Bang the Drum Slowly”, directed by Michael Menendian. Playing through June 30th, “Bang the Drum Slowly” is classic, smart, inspiring and a must for any theatre fan who also happens to like baseball.
Taking place in the late 1950s, we are told the story of a pitcher, Henry “Author” Wiggen, who befriends a third-string catcher, Bruce Pearson. Pearson is sick and diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Disease and confides this tragic news in Henry. Not wanting him to be cut from the team, a protective Wiggen keeps this a secret, especially from the team’s coach, “Dutch” Schnell. Eventually the news gradually breaks throughout the team, but the reaction is different then the one Henry expected. Instead, the teams offers a touching amount of support to Pearson. Even “Goose” Williams the starting, but aging catcher who had it out for the third-stringer since the beginning of the new season comes around and becomes one of Pearson’s biggest allies.
The total package is nicely wrapped with a resourceful set, a wonderful script and a cast that can pull it off. Tim Walsh (“Dutch”) is simply fantastic and is no doubt the glue that holds the cast together. Whether blowing his lid or just managing the day to day operations as the fiery manager, Walsh was a real pleasure to watch. While Kevin Duvall does an admirable job as “Bruce Pearson”, Joshua J. Volkers also makes a noteworthy performance as “Goose”.
A true inspirational piece, “Bang the Drum Slowly” is truly for everyone – young or old.
Tickets are $30 and performances take place through June 30th on Thursday-Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 3pm. Raven Theatre is located at 6157 N Clark. For more information visit www.raventheatre.com or call 773-338-2177.
