The year is 1965 and Jim Quinn has crossed the radar of Carl Schmitt, the President of an exclusive boy’s school in New Hampshire. Jim is being interviewed and Schmitt is asking about Jim’s colorful past. Jim is frank and forthright, even when his motives seem inexplicable. Even to him. Schmitt is dubious but, when it comes to literature and right-brain thinking Jim’s beyond impressive. He is fully engaged with brilliant authors and seminal philosophers: not at all intimidated.
Jim is a live wire. He writes provocative poetry, punches the younger boys, steals a record collection (more or less a prank). He ruminates with his roommate, Austin, until late at night. None of this is atypical of teenage boys, especially when they get together. Jim is constantly acting out. He impulse control. He sees validity in everything he does. Too rebellious for his own good. Supposedly his integrity collides with his academics.
Prodigal Son is John Patrick Shanley’s reflection on his contentious personalty and phenomenal cerebral skills. What makes us unique can be a two-edged scalpel. Schmitt and Alan Hoffman Jim’s English teacher) can see his potential, but if his future can be salvaged can be salvaged is an ongoing debate. Like Prometheus, Jim carries the gift of fire, juggling the astonishing with catastrophe.
The Second Chance Players staged Prodigal Son at Kitchen Dog’s new theater on 4774 Algiers. Director Caleb Ross and his intrepid cast: Jacob Waters (Jim Quinn) Hunter Howard (Alan Hoffman) Jeffrey Miller (Carl Schmitt) Stephanie Stark (Louise Schmitt) Patrick Britton (Austin Schmitt) mounted this somber, wrenching drama about what will and will not be forgotten. I’m pretty sure Socrates was into Ding Dong Ditch. The performances here are understated with a minimum of histrionics. Caleb Ross carried this dream project with him for a very long time. The result is poignant and unforgettable.
Watch this space for Second Chance Players future productions.
Second Chance Players presented Prodigal Son. It closed on Sunday May 10th.
www.SecondChancePlayers.org