Archway Theater Company presents “Major Barbara” by George Bernard Shaw. Originally written and premiered in 1905, this is an intelligent timeless comedy classic.
A young English girl, Barbara Undershaft (Bree Wernicke) denounces her wealth and position dedicating her life to saving the souls of the disenfranchised poor through her work with London’s Salvation Army.
Andrew Undershaft, (John Eddings) her father, a powerful wealthy armament manufacturer and media mogul has been estranged from his family for 20 years for refusing to leave his munitions empire to his son Stephen (Adam David Green). Now with daughter Sarah, (Faith Kearns) an empty headed socialite, and Barbara engaged, their mother, Lady Britomart, (Sally Schaub), invites Andrew back to the family’s home in hopes of securing their dowries.
At the core of the story is the question of what is best for society. Major Barbara, clashing with her father is in strong opposition to his unethical attitude toward the manufacturing of weapons of mass destruction and his contempt for poverty. Major Barbara invites her father to visit the Salvation Army shelter to witness the work that she does in the hopes that he would convert finding religion and salvation. He agrees on the condition that she visit his munitions factory and a Faustian bargain is struck.
At the Salvation Army shelter, Rummy Mitchens (Jennifer Hawkins) Bronterre Price (Sam Horrilleno) Shirley (Faith Kearns) discuss their deceit and lies told about their sins and moral infractions in order to obtain a free meal. When a drunken and abusive bully, Bill Walker (David Adam Green) arrives striking Jenny Hill (Kaylie Gipson) Major Barbara intervenes. Having watched Barbara in action, Andrew determines that she would be a great asset to his business, though her fiancé Adolphus Cusins (Garrick LeWinter) assures him that Barbara would never turn her back on her morality for money.
To help the Salvation Army continue its good works, Salvation Army Commissioner, Mrs. Baines (Kitty McCreery) announces the receipt of a large donation from a patron who owns a whisky distillery. She then asks Andrew to help identify additional patrons to assist in meeting their financial needs. Andrew donates the needed balance to Mrs. Baines glee. Disillusioned and disheartened over the organizations acceptance of tainted money Major Barbara quits.
No spoiler, I’ve said enough. There is more, witty dialogue, poignant and challenging issues with a “soft face” that you will want to experience yourself.
Wendi Johnson an accomplished talent, directed this cast bringing to life this important fast paced work. I can still hear the bombastic arrogance of Andrew Undershaft echoing with astounding clarity as the voice of rich and powerful.
Noteworthy are John Eddings and Sally Schaub both Archway Theatre Resident Company Members. John is superb in the role of Andrew Undershaft giving a performance worthy of accolades beyond my ability. Sally gracefully melded into the role of Lady Britomart. Adam David Green’s as Steven a tense momma’s boy, and again as Bill a menacing bully were outrageously humbling performances showing exceptional range. The entire cast is extraordinary! Shaw’s 111-year-old dialogue performed with English accents were served up fresh, authentic and flawlessly.
There is GREAT THEATRE IN NORTH HOLLYWOOD, and Archway Theatre has it. Thank you Archway Theatre, cast and crew. Go see “Major Barbara”!
