THE GOOD DOCTOR
CLACKAMAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE THEATRE ARTS DEPARTMENT PRESENTS THE ANNUAL SPRING SHOW
photo by Ahmed Almarai
“ We really
wanted to keep
as festive a
pace fo r the
show as the
show itself is,
and that’s the
challenge.”
- Christopher
Whitten
Isaiah Lee, “ The Priest” and Stefan Previs “ The
dentist” pray after the doctor’s “ kindness.”
BY IAN VAN ORDEN
The history of literature is defined by the many great
writers that have contributed to it. Each have contributed
to its evolution in varying ways, allowing it to grow
and change into the medium we see today. If a literary
scholar was asked to list those that have contributed
the m ost, they would be hard pressed to give a succinct
answer. There are, however, two nam es that would
almost certainly make that list, though for very different
reasons.
“ The Good Doctor” is a play that combines the work
o f two writers. Based .on the various works o f Ariton
Chekhov, easily one of the greatest short story writers
in history, the play was written Neil Sim on, an equally
accomplished American playwright, screenwriter and
author. Its original run, which opened on Nov. 1973 was
met with critical acclaim, receiving several Tony Award
nominations.
The play itself is split into ten short stories, narrated
by an unnamed writer.
■ “ The character that is the narrator iii the play is really
kind o f a thinly veiled Chekhov h im self,” said Jam es
Eikrem, the artistic director of the play. “ H e’ s never
referred to exactly by nam e, but we know because he’s
talking about the things h e’ s written and because of
the quotations that are in some of the speeches, he has
that he’s really Chekhov talking about his own work.”?
The writer’s narration serves as a bridge between each
It Clackamas Print MAY 51,2017 theclackamasprint.com
of the stories and allows for a near seamless transition.
“ We really wanted to keep as festive a pace for the
show as the show itself is,” said Christopher Whitten, the
scenic and lighting designer, “and that’ s the challenge.
How do we eliminate the things that g et in the way o f
that kind of festive pacing?”
To do just that, a moving stage was constructed for the
play’s rise. Two moving platforms are used to wheel in
and out various props, and sometimes actors themselves,
as the play transitions from one scene to the next.
Rather than having the audience wait between scenes,
the narrator discusses each piece giving context, and a
few silly remarks, as the next environment is, quickly
pieced together.
The narrator’ s, Billy McLendon, acting was especially
noteworthy among the performing cast. His performance
was near flawless, easily holding the audience’ s attention
during the transitions. Weaving in and out of the scenes
as required, the transition from story to narration always
felt natural and smooth. Even during the two stories
where the narrator participated or played a different
character, it was never difficult to follow. Each of the
included stories was entertaining in their own way, each
unique and engaging. O f the 10 included sequences,
three were especially entertaining.
The first, the opening story after the narrator’ s
introduction, is titled “ The Sneeze” and tells the story
o f a government clerk and his urifortunate encounter
w ith a high ranking official. The acting o f the clerk,
Cody Traber is particularly noteworthy, defined by the
character’ s strange nature.
The second is titled “ Too Late for Happiness” and
features a wonderfully performed duet featuring Taylor
Miller and Allison Andresen. The tone of the sequence
is also, noticeably different from the others, getting a
more somber tone, whereas much of the play is more
comedic in nature.
“ A Quiet War” featuring Miller and Traberis the third
and possibly m ost surprising of the three, featuring
two retired m ilitary commanders as they debate the
contents of the perfect five-course meal. Despite its
innocuous content, the scene is wonderfully performed
by the actors, who are easily able to convey the humor
of the scene.
Overall, the perform ance was hum orous, at Times
touching and a very enjoyable experience. The play runs
now through June 4, with showings Thursday through
Saturday at 7:30 p.m . and Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m .
Additionally, there will be a special performance held on
Friday, June 2 at.'io a.m. Performances are held in the
Österman Theatre, located in the Niemeyer building.
Adm ission is $11 for adults, $9 for seniors and $5 for
students.