Gorilla Theatre production displays power of 'Six'

Marty Clear, Times Correspondent
In Print: Thursday, December 11, 2008

Story Tools Initializing... Contact the editor Print this story Comment on this story Social Bookmarking

ADVERTISEMENT Loading Video...

By MARTY CLEAR

Times Correspondent

TAMPA — It's unclear what lessons we're supposed to derive from John Guare's Six Degrees of Separation, at least from its current incarnation at Gorilla Theatre.

It seems we're supposed to think, among other things, that it's preferable to cultivate a relationship with a charming street hustler than with our own unappreciative children.

But for the play's duration, and even afterward, its motives scarcely matter. Guare's beautiful language, a phenomenal cast and an elegant production directed by Nancy Cole make for a powerful experience.

And certainly, the play contains ideas worth pondering: the emptiness of an existence devoted to status, the power of art to save lives, the hunger of different classes to connect with each other.

The cast is large, and exceptional performances are many. Ami Sallee Corley peels layers from the veneer of her character, a haughty socialite, to reveal a strong but unfulfilled woman. C. David Frankel is delightful in a smaller role, and Bechir Sylvain wields enough charisma to carry the difficult role of a con man who changes the lives of everyone else in the play.

So even if its concluding scenes leave its intentions muddled, Six Degrees of Separation is forceful, complex and provocative, a wonderful ride regardless of destination.

Marty Clear is a Tampa freelance writer who specializes in performing arts. He can be reached at mclear@tampabay.rr.com.

Loading comments...

 

Gorilla Theatre production displays power of 'Six'

To Email *
(Separate multiple emails with a comma)
Personal Message
Your Name *
Your Email *
 

 

Click me for a different validation code

Validation Code *
  Send me a copy
   

 

 

 

* Indicates a required field

Privacy Policy (Opens in new window)