Paul Denk - Lynn Wanlass-Conor Walshe- Richard Leighton

Standing in rear: Jason Paul Field - Timothy George Connolly - Val Masouris - Nick Similuca

Back to camera: Gregory G. Giles

Eagle and Sons, a run-down dusty automobile parts warehouse in Brooklyn provides the backdrop where an equally run down group of employees shows up week after week to grind out a meager living in the mid-depression era of the mid 1930's. When the youngest and most ambitious of the group, announces that this Monday's New York Times headline shows that Hitler has just taken over Germany, they seem only mildly interested, being more concerned with the heat of the summer day and what lies ahead for the workweek.

The Ruskin Group takes on one of Arthur Miller's lesser known plays and manages to make it into a powerhouse presentation, primarily because of the tight direction by Amelia Mulkey and the wonderfully committed performances by the large cast. Miller has painted some unique portraits of these characters and the Ruskin players bring them to life with sensitivity, energy and gusto.

 

Bert and Kenneth are the pivots, being the youngest of the workers and with some hope for the future. Bert (Lane Compton) has been diligently saving money to go to college, believing that this will change his future. He has a disarming naiveté‚ which vacillates between idealism and romanticism. However, one of his co-workers delivers a line that brings this 1930's plot full face with 2011 when he chides, "Why do you want to go to college?' Macy's is full of people who went to college!" Jason Paul Field's character of Larry is not only cynical -' he's also looking for some fulfillment which he tries to achieve by purchasing an expensive car (" I like the way the pistons work"') and having a clandestine affair with Patricia, a good looking blonde in the office (Julia McIlvaine).

Kenneth would like to get a job in Civil Service, hoping to insure some stability (Nick Cimiluca).  He likes poetry and enjoys singing Irish tunes, even if it means some good natured ribbing from his co-workers. In spite of his assertions, one knows that Kenneth will probably be in the warehouse for many years.

Paul Denk - Richard Leighton

Paul Denk offers a compelling performance as Jim, the oldest worker in the warehouse and the only one who understood and befriended Gus. Denk's Jim, who obviously has been there for years and has seen it all, is a perfect counterbalance to the loud and obnoxious Gus.

Among the many excellent performances another outstanding turn is provided by Lynn Wanlass as Agnes, the longtime telephone operator. Wanlass captures the essence of the matriarch of the group, putting up with the men's often raw jokes and blue humor, but obviously having the love and respect of all. Those who have been in the work force for some time will recognize someone like Agnes, an erstwhile busybody but with a heart of gold.

 

If your office has a Monday morning drunk, you'll love Conor Walshe as Tom Kelly, who walks into the warehouse in a zombie like stupor and when the big boss comes, the guys do everything to make him seem like he's awake and functioning. Those who remember the film Weekend at Bernie's will relate to this great scene. Billy Ensley plays Mr. Eagle, the boss, who passes through once in a while but is oblivious to the real issues of the workers.

Other cast members include Gregory G. Giles as Raymond, the no nonsense manager of the group, Jeison Azali who plays a delivery man (a la UPS driver), Timothy George Connolly as Jerry, Val Masouris as Willy and Hamilton Matthews as a mechanic. Alternates are Lola Kelly and John Wickersham.

Paul Denk - Lane Compton - Jason Paul Field - Nick Similuca

 

Arthur Miller's plays have dealt with the average working class. This play, which covers a period of time between a Monday in the summer and a Monday in the following winter, is more a character mosaic than an epic tale. It shows several workers dealing with the drudgery of day to day survival and while none are actually happy, most are resigned to their lot. They seem to look forward to the weekend when they can get away from the job and become someone else, only to return to another Monday and another dull set of memories. There is nothing dull, however, about the excellent presentation put up by the Ruskin folks. It's an excellent piece of theatre done with care, with professionalism and with loving respect to the playwright and the characters he created.

Recommended!

A Memory of Two Mondays plays through July 25, 2011 at the Ruskin Group Theatre, 3000 Airport Road, Santa Monica, CA 90405. Reservations at (310) 397-3244.

On Line ticketing: http://www.plays411.com/mondays