Hendricks Civic Theatre Presents - A Few Good Men (preview) 2024

·27 min·2 clips

Colonel Jessup delivers his famous 'You can't handle the truth' speech defending military duty in a world with walls.

The episode opens with a rehearsal clip from Hendricks Civic Theatre's production of 'A Few Good Men,' featuring the courtroom scene where Lieutenant Caffey questions Colonel Jessup. Actors David Johnson and Nick Ford perform the roles of Jessup and Caffey, including the iconic 'You can't handle the truth' monologue. After the clip, host Shane Ray transitions to an interview with the cast and crew in the studio. Nick Ford introduces himself as playing Dan Caffey, noting this is his first production with Hendricks Civic Theatre after a hiatus from acting. David Johnson shares that he plays Colonel Nathan Jessup and has a military background as a West Point graduate and combat engineer officer. Director Marie Beeson explains her history with the play, having directed it in 1996 and studied theater when it premiered on Broadway. Producer Jerry Vornholt discusses his involvement with Hendricks Civic Theatre and the decision to produce this show at Hendricks Live. The conversation covers how the actors approach their roles without imitating Jack Nicholson and Tom Cruise from the film adaptation. They emphasize creating their own dynamics and rhythms for the characters. The group talks about rehearsing at the new Hendricks Live facility, praising its state-of-the-art features like over 200 lights. Jerry Vornholt recounts the long-term community effort to build a performing arts theater in Plainfield, which culminated in Hendricks Live. Details about the show dates are provided: June 7-9 and 14-16, with performances at 7:30 PM on Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 PM on Sundays. Ticket information is shared, noting sales are through Hendricks Live's website, not Hendricks Civic Theatre. An 'honor garden' initiative is mentioned, allowing patrons to purchase flags for $20 to honor veterans during Memorial Day weekend. The episode concludes with thanks to sponsors Electric Plus and Encore Boutique 55 and Better Apartments.

As heard by us

A local theater preview pairs courtroom rehearsal with two actors' candid accounts of finding their footing.

WYRZ's preview of Hendrix Civic Theater's A Few Good Men works best when it lets rehearsal and conversation sit side by side. A courtroom exchange gives the segment some live tension, with orders about Santiago and the 0600 flight arriving as unfinished stage work rather than…

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Why you'd press play

You hear Hendrick Civic Theater actors rehearse A Few Good Men, then sit with Nick Ford and David Johnson as the production heads to Hendrix Live in Plainfield.

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