"Red"

June 24, 2015 — Two men, engaged in conversation for ninety minutes, some of it confrontational, some pointless, some angry, much of it funny, receive a standing ovation at the end. Why? Good acting, good direction, compelling subject matter. These are the things that inspire an appreciative audience.

The Peterborough Players in Peterborough, New Hampshire presented John Logan's "Red," directed for the Players by Keith Stevens. Gus Kaikkonen appeared as artist Mark Rothko who's been commissioned to paint a series of murals for the Four Seasons restaurant in 1958. That part of the story is true. His conversations with his hired studio assistant, Ken, played by Lucas Van Engen, are largely from Logan's imagination.

Rothko is abusive, insulting and sometimes threatening to his rather meek assistant. Rothko believes Ken is incapable of understanding Rothko's abstract impressionist art. It's not until near the end of the play that Ken starts to rebel and challenges Rothko's opinions.

Scenic designer Charlie Morgan's set, a messy, sprawling, dimly lit art studio with a large movable wall as its centerpiece, one that can be rotated to present different sides as the play progresses, gave the stage the feel of a dedicated painter's work area, and was perfect for this play.

"Red" proves a play consisting of little more than words can be as entertaining as a musical with high-energy song and dance numbers or an Agatha Christie mystery.