“Speed-the-Plow” Delivers

by Jana Pollack, New Rep Reviewer

“Speed-the-Plow,” David Mamet’s classic play, starts off as a picture of life in a Hollywood film studio - suits, swearing, and the allure of excessive wealth. Over its 80 minutes, this play humanizes the people who bring us blockbusters, and presents a moral dilemma about the responsibility of those who make decisions that ultimately shape our culture. 

The production currently running on the mainstage at New Rep, directed by Robert Walsh, is one of the best pieces of theatre that I’ve seen in a while. Every aspect is well done. All three actors give nuanced, full performances that are as genuine as they are hilarious; the set is interesting and evocative; the pumping music adds brilliantly to the atmosphere; and the lighting is crisp and decisive. This all comes together to produce a thoroughly entertaining evening of high quality theatre.

The show is done in threes - three characters, three scenes. Bobby Gould, the newly promoted studio executive, is portrayed by Robert Pemberton, and his performance is masterful. When we meet him, he is all talk and fluffed ego. But as the play continues, Mr. Pemberton expertly strips away Bobby’s outer shell, and this process is both hilarious and touching. One of the best moments comes when Bobby shyly seduces his new secretary; he takes on the body language of a teenage boy, and his slightly flushed face gives him away completely.

Charlie Fox, the executive underling, is played by Gabriel Kuttner. Mr. Kuttner makes amazing use of his movement. Charlie appears jumpy by nature, and this seems to be a physical manifestation of his deep sense of anger at never getting his shot. This movement progresses from his first moment on stage to his last, when he finally walks steadily, having taken control and gotten what he wanted. 

Finally, there is Karen, Bobby’s temporary secretary, played by Aimee Doherty. Ms. Doherty is faced with a challenge, as the character of Karen is not written as fully or given nearly as much motivation as her male counterparts. Doherty does a very credible job, moving swiftly from naive temp to passionate advocate. However, through the fault of the script, Karen’s choices remain somewhat unconvincing.

This play presents big questions in the guise of a somewhat silly scenario, a construction that gives the script tremendous versatility. This production made me laugh hard and long, and it also asked for an examination of how power is gained in human relationships, and what motivates decisions that have an impact on society. David Mamet has written a very good play, and Robert Walsh has directed an excellent production. I urge you to see “Speed the Plow.”