Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, May 2, 1990 TAG: 9005020235
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: E-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: CHRIS GLADDEN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Andrey Lvovich Botvinnik is his apparent adversary, a sly Russian who has spent many years at the negotiating table.
"Formality," says Andrey, "is anger with its hair combed."
What these two men have in common is a conscience and an abiding fear of global destruction.
"A Walk In the Woods" is the current production at Mill Mountain Theatre's Theatre B, which now faces on Church Avenue. It continues that intimate hall's tradition of excellency. Big is not always better. Some of the best theater in Roanoke in recent years has emerged from Theatre B. And, like the estimable diplomats in the current production, it has exhibited a conscience whether making a commentary on apartheid, nuclear insanity or the sanctity of individual expression.
In scale, "A Walk in the Woods" is small but it looms large in its witty dialogue and life-affirming point of view. Written by Lee Blessing, it was nominated for a Tony Award in 1988.
Honeyman and Botvinnik are played by Maury Erickson and Howard Katz, two members of Actor's Equity Association, the stage actors' union. They shoulder Blessing's all-talk show admirably. There were some minor glitches during Tuesday's opening night performance but Erickson and Katz achieve two convincing and ultimately likable characters.
Erickson's Honeyman is newly arrived at arms-control talks in Geneva. There, the veteran Botvinnik invites him for a stroll in the woods. Played with a twinkle-eyed sagacity by Katz, the Russian proposes a friendship between the two. Honeyman, an earnest and well-meaning young man, initially declines.
But as the negotiations linger on, the two renegades from the formal talks continue to meet - acknowledging that world preservation hinges on the proximity of presidential elections, the health of members of the Politburo and public relations.
The intractable Honeyman is eventually subverted by the cunning Andrey: he doesn't become a spy, though, he becomes a friend.
That's the message that Blessing bears. World peace begins on a personal level. Enemies who like Willie Nelson can eventually become friends. And friends don't wage war. It may not be particularly profound or original but it makes down-to-earth sense.
"A Walk in the Woods" is not a strident play. Directed by Jere Lee Hodgin, it slips home its message with a humor and intelligence well-suited to the actors. It's a pleasure to watch the charming and subtle Russian create a bond of friendship with the impassioned American advocate for world peace. And the fact that this play is loosely based on a real incident only enriches the optimism that Blessing generates. "A Walk in the Woods" continues through May 20. General admission tickets are $8. For reservations and further information, call 342-5740.
by CNB