On Theater: ‘Proof’ of a remarkable actress
Mathematicians have a language all their own, and we “normal” people often assume they’re visiting from another planet. But they function viscerally and emotionally as well, as David Auburn demonstrated in his Pulitzer Prize-winning play “Proof.”
This intriguing exercise has made the rounds of local theaters over the past few years, and the current production at Irvine’s Concordia University is at least the fifth since it was introduced by South Coast Repertory. It’s simple to stage — just four actors and a backyard — but the difficulty lies in the interpretation, in the filling in of some complex psychological blanks.
At Concordia, another obstacle was thrust in director Lori Siekmann’s path. The original leading actress was critically injured in the midst of rehearsals, and a replacement valiantly stepped into the breach. Her performance, however, is extraordinary and stands as the primary reason for the success of the production.
“Proof” focuses on a young woman in Chicago, the daughter of a math genius, who’s just lost her father as the play opens. He remains available to counsel her, however, in flashbacks and, on one occasion, in spirit.
The daughter, Catherine, clearly has inherited her dad’s mathematical skills, but she’s concerned that his madness also might have been included in the legacy. He’s pictured as a single-minded scholar who’s gone around the bend and whose idea of fun with his daughter is to “do a little math,” and what he’s produced in his later years is pretty much nonsensical.
Jaclyn Pennington, given scant time to rehearse her intensely difficult role, is marvelous as Catherine, offering a full-bodied performance with the subtlety and variation of character the part demands. In the tricky assignment of romancing a young math whiz who’s researching her dad’s old papers, Pennington presses forward with determination, and she’s equally convincing as she strives to prevent her older sister from selling her longtime home out from under her.
The researcher, who’s both a mathematician and a drummer in a local rock band, is skillfully enacted by Wesley Barnes, projecting both his awestruck nervousness at meeting the esteemed father and strident certainty regarding authorship of the complex “proof” he discovers with Catherine’s assistance. These are tense moments, grippingly portrayed.
As the late, legendary father — whose skills apparently have eroded, along with his mind, in his middle years — Christian Rowe eschews the temptation to “age up” cosmetically, allowing his forceful performance to flesh out the seniority of his character. His last appearance, on the threshold of madness, is particularly riveting.
The role of Catherine’s grounded older sister, Claire, is the one aspect of the show that requires a bit of polish. Evelyn Moody brings the feeling of well-meaning normalcy to the role, but lacks the forceful thrust demanded to stand up to, and overcome, her strong-willed sister.
Scenic designer Matt Scarpino’s backyard setting reaches out to surround the audience, creating a feeling of intimacy. The house facade, however, should appear more beaten by the harsh Chicago winters to be truly effective.
“Proof” brings the mysteries of higher mathematics into sharper focus, and this production skillfully draws the complexity of numbers into the dramatic mix at Concordia University Irvine.
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Orange Coast College theater students will present “Scene Night,” a variety of short dramatic and comedic scenes from modern and classical plays, at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 12 to 14 in the Drama Lab Studio Theater. The program is recommended for mature audiences and admission is free.
TOM TITUS reviews local theater.
If You Go
What: “Proof”
Where: Concordia University, 1530 Concordia West, Irvine
When: Closing performances at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday
Cost: Call for ticket information
Information: (949) 214-3426 or https://www.cui.edu
