Now Playing
-or-
REVIEW: Flyover USA: Voices from Men of the Midwest
Williamston Theatre
Williamston delivers one for the boys
By D. A. Blackburn
It's been a year since Williamston Theatre unveiled the first installment of its Voices From The Midwest series, but the second work of this trilogy, Flyover USA: Voices from Men of the Midwest, is clear evidence that it's been a fruitful interval.
Flyover is a perfect sibling to its sister, Maidens, Mothers and Crones, which highlighted feminine voices of the heartland. Though there are some notable differences between the two, a striking family resemblance — in theme and composition style — is evident in their easily-relatable, charming perspectives.
Like its sister, Flyover grew out of stories contributed by men from all over the Midwest. And, also like its sister, it's structured as a series of running vignettes with eerily universal themes. Moreover, writers Dennis E. North and Joseph Zettelmaier have taken a cue from Maidens in giving Flyover an honest, conversational tone, with an economy of language that amounts to simple eloquence.
The two works depart company most notably in staging. Where Maidens employed an elaborate, ornate set, Flyover has opted for a more abstract staging that draws all attention to its three performers.
And in the talented hands of John Lepard, Tobin Hissong and Scott Norman, this proves to be a fine decision. Though all occasionally fumbled their dialogue opening night, it was obvious that each felt a sincere, strong connection to the material. They also appeared to have great fun in bringing Flyover to life — reveling in the work's natural humor, but also tackling its more intimate, sentimental moments with poise.
While all three gave fine performances Friday night, it's really the universality of Flyover's themes that makes the work a refreshing and engaging play. The manner in which stories were collected has a lot to do with this, as does thoughtful work by the show's writers. Subject matter ranges from music and food of the Midwest, to fatherhood and the rituals of coming-of-age. Though Flyover has a lot of ground to cover, North and Zettelmaier have crafted a smart script that speaks to every audience member on some level.
And as the play reminds us, men of the Midwest might not like to admit it, but there were more than a few watery eyes at Williamston Theatre Friday. Thankfully, there were plenty of laughs, too.
SHOW DETAILS:
Williamston Theatre, 122 S. Putnam Rd., Williamston. Thursday through Sunday through June 14. Tickets: $18-$24. For information: 517-655-746 or www.williamstontheatre.org.
Click here to comment on this review
Show times
