THEATER: August: Osage County

State College Community Theatre has done an excellent job this season in giving audiences a well balanced selection of plays. AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY  will appeal to the person who enjoys good, well written, black humor that deals with dysfunctional families, drug abuse, alcoholism, and suicide. All of the things that make being part of a family “painfully funny”.

The atmosphere for the evening was set by actor Tom McClary as Beverly Weston, the father of the Weston clan. Tom’s ability to speak clearly  with feeling and humor made- what could have been a rather long speech- a good explanation of some of the difficulties surrounding his family.

The problem that is pivotal to the family is the mother Violet’s addiction to prescriptions. Melissa Lee Brannen played the part very well. Violet is not a very likable character and Melissa was not afraid to show us the ugliness that the role demanded.

The chemistry between Susan Kleit and Rod Egan as Mattie Fae, Violet’s sister, and Charlie Aiken was very believable. Susan always brings an energy to the stage that seems to be contagious to her fellow actors. She was perfectly cast as the “comedy relief” who also gets her dramatic moment..

All three of Violet’s daughters were well defined. Lindsey Allison as Ivy was the quiet, reliable one. Amy Farkas had the most dramatic role as daughter Barbara. Daughter Karen was played by Lindsey Schrott. I felt that I knew them well by the end of the evening. Madeline Biever as granddaughter Jean also had her moment to shine and show that young actresses can hold their own.

Chris Brannen as the college professor Bill Fordham who is involved with one of his students was one of the family members that I liked and felt sorry for. Steve Raybuck and Rob Arnold can always be counted on to do a good job.

Jackie Gianico as Johanna, the hired girl, had the difficult job of being the normal, calming influence. The cast was rounded out by the good looking Christopher Hirsh as Sheriff Gilbeau.

I am sure that one of the joys of a show with this many layers has to be the fun that the actors are having on stage. The chance to play such intense, flawed characters must be a treat. I have to admit that there were times that I was caught up in the drama to the point that I forgot that I was ”audience”. 

This is a play that if you are not familiar with, you will be. It has won the Pulitzer Prize and has been made into a movie starring Meryle Streep, Julia Roberts, and Sam Shepard. I suggest that you see what SCCT can do with a show this complex before you see what Hollywood does.

AUGUST:  OSAGE COUNTY will be at the Mt. Nittany Middle School until September 28th. Call the box office at 814-466-7141, SCCT office at 814-234-7228 for tickets or visit them online at http://www.scctonline.org.