"Power of Sail" Brings A Star Studded Cast to The Geffen

Los Angeles CA

21 February, 2022

2:37 PM

Description

Excitement was in the air last Saturday at the press night for "Power of Sail," now playing at the Geffen Playhouse. It was the first play I, and probably many in the audience, have viewed live in a theater in a long time and the cast features a stellar group of actors. I was extremely happy to see Bryan Cranston in the lead role, especially in a theater where every seat provides unobstructed views of the stage. The one-act play with no intermission started slowly but grew to a story filled with unexpected twists and surprises and an exploration of the current meaning of free speech. Emmy and Tony winner Cranston masterfully embodies Harvard history Professor Charles Nichols as he deals with the leak and aftermath of the identity of the controversial keynote speaker for his upcoming annual symposium. Doctoral candidates (Tedra Millian as Maggie Rosen and Seth Numrich as Lucas Poole), protesting students, faculty (Amy Brenneman as Dean Amy Katz) and famous public intellectual and former student of Nichols Baxter Forrest (Brandon Scott) all try to persuade Nichols to rescind his invitation to a Neo-Nazi white supremacist named Carver. Nichols won't back down, claiming that he would use the event to debate the controversial Carver and expose and verbally demolish him. When Nichols and Poole decide to take a train to Maine to meet with Carver at his compound, things start to go downhill quickly. Everyone's agenda to advance, both politically and personally, begins to unravel. After a tragic incident occurs, FBI agent Quinn Harris (Donna Simone Jackson) interrogates Nichols and he exposes his hidden motive for choosing Carver for his symposium. Through a series of nonlinear final acts, everyone's agenda and true character is revealed. The metaphor playwright Paul Grellong uses; "power of sail" being a maritime law where "a ship under power of motor must give way to a ship under power of sail," gets lost throughout the play which runs a bit long at 2 hours. Set designs and a stunning revolving stage by scenic director Rachel Myers successfully transports the audience to an Ivy league campus and beyond. Cranston and the rest of the cast are outstanding and for those who miss great acting and live theater, "Power of Sail" provides a play that will promote discussions about racism, free speech and higher education long after the curtain closes. Playing at the Gil Cates Theater at The Geffen Playhouse now through March 20, Tuesday through Saturday at 8pm, Saturday also at 3pm, Sundays at 2pm and 7pm. Tickets at https://www.geffenplayhouse.org, 310.208.2028. Covid vaccinations checked at the door, masks required.