A play by Aaron Sorkin is a thing of joy. I’ve been a fan of
his (TV) scripts since his spunky, outrageous SPORTS NIGHT. Who better to write
about the invention of television than its best writer today! Director Sarah
Gazdowicz’ fluid, downright exhilarating production of THE FARNSWORTH INVENTION
for Flat Earth Theatre (through June 27th) is a must see: For
Sorkin’s smart, sardonic dialogue, for the lively ensemble work and for the two
performances that keep this speeding train on track.
What’s remarkable about the script is that we know the
outcome and yet we’re riveted nevertheless. (I saw a sharp witted play about
Edison and Tesla years ago and you still rooted for the underdog even though you
knew who won that fight. Same deal for a lovely Edward G. Robinson movie about
the telegraph supplanting Robinson’s beloved homing pigeons. It’s a delightful
way to learn history.)
You can’t take your eyes off Michael Fisher as the ruthless
David Sarnoff, the founder of NBC and you can’t stop your heart from breaking
when you know the much nicer Farnsworth (Chris Larson) will be run over by
Sarnoff’s machinations. Where Fisher has electricity in his veins, Larson has
that Jimmy Stewart “Aw Shucks” inner glow working for him.
The ensemble acts the heck out of the script—which is especially difficult for the
women in the company who play the supportive mother, sister and wives roles.
They manage to give these usually thankless parts their best shot, adding
considerable personality. Of course it’s the male wheelers and dealers who are
the most fun to watch, like Dale J. Young in several unforgettable turns (as
villains and heroes).
Kudos to Rebecca Lehrhoff for an ingenious blackboard set
where you actually learn and understand the cathode ray! I haven’t been so
excited about a production since a play about Alan Turing and his enigma
machine.
