'Coyote' intense, thought-provoking drama

Theater Scene column by Carol Moore

This story ran on nwitimes.com on Friday, April 20, 2007

"Coyote on a Fence" is an intense drama set in and around a prison somewhere in the south. College-educated inmate John Brennan (Jim Henry), who edits a newsletter, "Death Row Advocate" from his cell, writes thoughtful obituaries of the recently executed, drawing the attention of New York Times reporter, Sam Fried (Eric Brant).

John finds his new cell partner, Bobby Reyburn (Karl Berner), a racist and unrepentant murderer, repugnant. In addition, he cannot understand why Bobby refuses to fight his execution. Bobby believes he is hearing the voice of God who told him to murder 38 people. He himself said that you should kill certain predatory creatures, like the coyote tangled in a fence, before they kill you.

Ever-present prison guard, Shawna DuChamps, (Heather Climer) is tough with John, yet vulnerable, as she describes the atmosphere during an execution. Community Theatre Guild's strong cast makes this moving drama a must-see. FYI: (219) 464-1636.

Across town, Memorial Theatre Co. presents a romp through the Sleep-Tite Pajama Factory, in "The Pajama Game." The workers at the factory are agitating for a 7-1/2 cent per hour raise, which "Old Man" Hasler (Don Ross) refuses to award. Sid Sorokin (Trevor Bruss), a new supervisor at the factory, gets a visit from Grievance Committee Chair, Babe Williams (Sheree Wheeler-Gudeman).

He's interested, she resists. He sings perennial favorite, "Hey There" (you with the stars in your eyes). Time-study specialist Himes (Reid Martin) is attracted to skittish Gladys (Kathleen Dominiak), Hasler's secretary. Sid suspects something is wrong at the plant, so he invites Gladys out to try and get her key. Gladys as a vamp in "Hernando's Hideaway" is hilarious. "The Pajama Game" is still a lot of fun. FYI: (219) 548-9137.

"Painting Churches" plays through Sunday at Crown Point Community Theatre.

Gardner (Ted Rosdil) and Fanny Church (Bonnie J. Meyer) are moving from the family home to a smaller place. Gardner, a famous poet, can't seem to write anymore. Fanny, who has her own quirks, is trying to pack for the move. Their daughter, Mags (Andrea Klinefelter), an artist in New York, comes home to help with the move, and to paint her own portrait of her parents. FYI: (219) 805-4255.

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