"Dr. Knock"

August 23, 2011 — "Dr. Knock," a 1923 French play by Jules Romains, was translated and directed by Gus Kaikkonen, artistic director of the Peterborough Players in Peterborough, New Hampshire. Kraig Swartz, one of the Players' best comic actors, had the lead role. He is taking over the practice of a small town's departing doctor, and has his own ideas for making medicine hugely profitable. With his smooth manner and cherubic smile, he convinces healthy townspeople they have life-threatening diseases and need regular visits, sometimes spread over years, to ensure their survival. In collusion with the local pharmacist, he makes sure his patients have a steady supply of expensive drugs to sustain them. Sound familiar? Would this 1923 play's premise be too far-fetched today?

Several actors deftly juggled multiple roles. Dale Hodges deserves special mention for her three portrayals, the best a flustered, pretentious upper-class lady which, although brief, almost stole the show. Michael Dell'Orto was excellent as always as the poor departing doctor whose life's work is discredited by Kraig Swartz's unscrupulous young doctor. Ryan Farley, Tom Frey and Bridget Beirne also play multiple roles. Casey Jordan rounds out the cast.

There were some flat spots in the play, some uncomfortable pauses at times, but overall this was an entertaining evening well-spent. For me, one of the stars of the show was the ancient automobile in Act One. There should be a special award for whoever conceived and built this sputtering, smoking jalopy.