Word: cracker
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Dates: during 1980-1989
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...play tells of a Salvation Army lieutenant's wooing of a hardened but unhappy gangster. Their love causes Bill Cracker to fall afoul of the gang's sinister leader, the Fly, and results in Sister Lillian's expulsion in disgrace from the Army. Through a series of predictable and improbable coincidences, all are reunited and forgiven, and the two camps join hands to form an army of the poor to fight the "real enemy"--capitalism...
...company dutifully trots through Jones' paces. The Fly's gang provide frequent comic relief; Jeremy Geidt as Manny and John Bottoms as the sinister Governor especially stand out. Geidt's impish sweet-talking and the Governor's calm imperturbability enliven a slightly sluggish first act. Kenneth Ryan plays Bill Cracker as a sulky, rughtless lump; he provides a good foil to the more aggressive and articulate Hallelujah Lil. The gang's rather indifferent voices, however, fail to do justice to Weill's music...
Spacek not only ages and sings convincingly, but she gives her character a spine of strong emotion, of pure innocence and instinctive cracker-barrel wit. Inside the shy and often childish teen-age girl there is always a glimmer of the powerhouse woman she would become. The craggy-faced Jones makes the most of a role that fully capitalizes on both his redneck swagger and salty charm. The supporting cast is also first-rate. Rock Drummer Levon Helm (formerly of the Band) brings flinty dignity to the role of Loretta's laconic but loving father, and Beverly...