Intense 'Talk Radio' broadcasts an appealing star turn by Mares
Let’s cut straight to the point: To see one of the grandest, tour de force dramatic performances of the year, get to the Shadow Box Theatre to watch Jonathan Mares in “Talk Radio.”
Eric Bogosian’s 1987 Pulitzer Prize-nominated play has become a contemporary classic and is worth seeing not only because it is an intense, sharply written drama; it is also an opportunity to see a fine young actor really coming into his own with a compelling performance that grabs the audience commanding attention from the moment he walks onto the stage. Playing an essentially unknowable character, Mares gives a deeply layered portrayal that he manages to keep shrouded in an intriguing mystery.
“Talk Radio” is set during one night’s broadcast of a local late night talk show, one that is about to be launched for nationwide broadcast because of the popular appeal of its “shock jock” host, Barry Champlain.
The play serves as a bit of sociological history of radio in the late 20th century, capturing an era when talk radio was beginning its ascent into the strong political and social force it has attained today. The key difference, however, was that ideologies were not the primary driving force. The stars were the shock jocks with their combative personalities, willing to offend their most devoted listeners, challenge what was societally acceptable and, it must be said, add significantly to the coarsening and growing degradation of our culture.
As Barry Champlain, the host of “Night Talk,” Mares is a man on the edge, a biting but smooth provocateur; genial and warm, one moment, ripping out your throat the next. What he actually believes or even feels, however, remains a mystery.
Director Kristopher Shaw and Mares create a character who is an enigma wrapped, well, in a lot of anger and pain. But just as Barry cannot reveal his true self, even in intimate moments with a lover, Mares keeps him at arm’s length from the audience. And yet, the need to reach out to that audience remains a dynamic force. The tension of that paradox is reflected in Barry’s ambivalent fear of going national. Fueled by caffeine and scotch throughout the broadcast, we watch Barry battle with his callers and, ultimately, with himself – or, at least, the broadcast persona that has been shaped by and for him, name and all.
While Mares’ performance is at the center of the production, he is orbited by a fine supporting cast. Lisa Picone gives a saucy performance as Linda, Barry’s show producer, as well as his off-again, on-again girlfriend. Picone finds Linda’s vulnerability behind the hardened exterior that’s been around the radio dial a few times.
As Stu, the show’s call screener, Earl Scioneaux sharply captures the frustration of being Barry’s longtime sidekick, always on the edge of the limelight. Benjamin Clement hones in on the lizardly nature of radio station executives, adding much to the humor of the play.
Each of these three are especially effective in a series of brief asides in which they reveal their own feelings and motivations, but ultimately still focus more on the riddle of who Barry Champlain is.
In nicely done smaller roles, and helping to provide the voices of the various callers to “Night Talk” are Frederick Mead, Peter Gabb, Dennis McCann, Justin Guidroz, Margeaux Fanning and Shelby Butera.
TALK RADIO
What: Cleveland’s over-the-top controversial radio host, shock jock Barry Champlain, struggles to produce a perfect show the night before he goes national, interacting with his pathetic callers. Directed by Kris Shaw; starring Jonathan Mares, Lisa Picone, Ben Clement and Earl Scioneaux.
Where: The Shadow Box Theatre, 2400 St. Claude Ave., 298.8676.
When: Performances at 8 Thursdays through Saturdays, through July 30. There is an additional 10:30 show on July 30.
Tickets: $15.
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I'm not sure is there is 80s clothing more 80s than the 
