Family Matters

by Rick · November 3, 2016

By Barbara Solomon

THE GOD GAME
WRITTEN BY SUZANNE BRADBEER
DIRECTED BY TONY SIMOTES
STARRING BRIAN BRIGHTMAN, CYNTHIA BECKERT, AND ROBERT PIGOTT

Two of the other best actors in Orlando are in Mad Cow’s production of “The God Game.” The title is somewhat misleading as this piece is about fundamental loyalty–both familial and political. Tom (Brian Brightman) is an upstanding junior senator who is asked by his best friend Matt (Robert Pigott) to run for vice president on his party’s ticket. His stance on the issues are really good for America, but there is one fly in the ointment–he is an atheist. On the opposite end of the spectrum is his wife Lisa (Cynthia Beckert), a true believer in God and Jesus. Can this be resolved? Come see for yourself.

Brian was the perfect actor for his role of Tom. His demeanor exudes integrity and capability. He is outstanding in this play. Robby’s verve and beliefs ring true due to his great acting.

At the conclusion Tom says “We do the best we can while we’re here.”

Everyone involved in this show certainly did that. Playing through Nov. 20 at Mad Cow, Church Street.

At the other end of town, we have a dysfunctional family in Tennessee William’s “The Glass Menagerie.” Cami Miller plays Amanda, a crazy mother living in the past, and unable to function in the present. Anneliese Moon is Laura, the crippled daughter living in a make-believe world of glass animals. And Anthony Pyatt, Jr. is Tom, wanting to escape in the bottle and the Merchant Marines. When Tom invites his friend Jim to dinner, we see insights beyond the family dynamics. This play is Tennessee Willians at his most depressing. But the director and producer, Beth Marshall, always puts on an outstanding production, and this is no exception. Very well acted by all, it is worthwhile the trip to The Garden Theatre. Playing through Nov. 6.