Ali Schmitz
In Motion Staff Writer
What is the American dream? Daytona State’s November production of Richard Greenberg’s “The American Plan” questions the idea, set in the late 1950’s and early 60’s.
“The American Plan,” directed by adjunct theater professor Trevin Cooper, winds a tale of young love in the Catskills.
Lili Adler (Mary Jeanes) is a 20-year-old woman living with an overbearing and sadistic mother, Eva (Brittney Johnston) and her family’s maid, Olivia (Jerica O’Neal). While sunbathing, an attractive young man (Tyler Burkett) staying at the hotel across the lake trespasses onto her property accidentally. He introduces himself as Nick Lockridge and their relationship progresses, starting as a friendship and transforming into an engagement.
Throughout their relationship, Eva blackmails Nick, knowing that he’s lying to Lili about his past. The plot line twists further and further until Gil Harbison (Patrick Moffet) arrives in town, a catalyst for the end of Lili and Nick’s relationship.
In Cooper’s first production with DSC, he’s provided a major change-up in the production value of Daytona State’s shows. His direction and casting of this show is impeccable.
Jeanes, an alumna of Florida State, transformed into Lili on stage. In a role that can seem fairly cartoonish and surreal, Jeanes’ portrayal of Lili was honest and raw. Her acrobatic experience was played up in the show, delighting audiences with her cartwheels. The final scene of the show provided Jeanes to show her dramatic ability too.
Johnston’s performance as Eva was done well. Very few people have the ability to change a scene with the subtle lift of an eyebrow. Johnston managed to do that. The only flaw she had was that her accent was difficult to understand on certain words.
Burkett has vastly improved since last spring’s show, “Summer and Smoke.” Although he still mutters some lines and he’s occasionally wooden due to his nerves, his scenes are still believable. His argument with Moffet in the second act was electrifying and he has incredible chemistry with Jeanes. Although he may not be as experienced as the rest of the actors in this show, he still is very talented.
O’Neal managed to steal every scene she was in, even from the over-the-top Johnston. Mixing sarcasm with genuine love seems first-hand when O’Neal does it. Although Olivia is a stock character, O’Neal makes sure to stay noticed.
Moffet, a theater veteran, is often cast in the ensemble of musicals or in comedic roles. In a role that although small but substantial, Moffet manages to be the star of the show. As the antagonist with heart, he sizzles on the stage. Moffet was born to play this role and hopefully he has a chance to do more in the program.
Daytona State’s next production is “Our Musical Gift,” a joint production with the entire Mike Curb College of Performing Arts.