Word: halder
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Dates: during 1990-1999
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...Halder is an appealing character because he reacts in much the same way that the audience would--at least initially. Upon first being sought out by the Nazis, Halder is skeptical. In Halder's mind, Hitler (Brendon DeMay) is a babbling idiot, who in some of the evening's most amusing moments, sings a Jewish wedding song and proclaims at an imaginary rally, "I don't know where I am. I don't know what I'm doing." Halder's wife urges him to join the party for the practical purpose of obtaining a more prestigious university position. He does...
...this is gradually what happens as Halder finds himself first trying to rationalize euthanasia as a compassionate act toward the sick and deformed, then the bonfire of the books, Krystal Nacht, and in what proves to be the play's most shocking (if somewhat farfetched) moment, Auschwitz. As Halder's rationalizations become increasingly strained and desperate, Hitler assumes a more seductive tone in Halder's mind, and his image is accompanied by popular, catchy drinking songs...
...Despite its frequent use of music, Good is not a musical. This use of music is simply one of the play's ingenious, innovative touches. The songs and symphonic pieces break up the monotony of Halder's long soliloquies, adding comic relief or exaggerating irony when necessary. As the play's events unfold, the music gradually becomes more serious to match the severity of Hitler's increasingly powerful position. Musical director John Baxindine '00 does an admirable job as band leader, and his three fellow musicians, prominently displayed at center stage, perform even the most intricate pieces with style...
...cast, as well, is small, with several actors playing multiple roles. Most notable among the student actors are Knapp and Sack as Anne and Maurice respectively. As Halder's lover, Anne tackles some of the plays most contrived lines--"if we are good to those around us...what more?"--without sinking heavily into melodrama. Sack enjoys perhaps one of the most promising roles as Halder's Jewish friend and gives us a sympathetic and powerful performance that lives up to the character's brilliance...
...Undoubtedly, much of the professional polish of the play stems from actual professionals' involvement. Arciniegas, who has been directing and performing in the Boston area for several years, lends a special poignancy to the complicated role of John Halder. The professional expertise is also apparent in Daniel Gidron's effective directing, although the efforts of student assistant director, stage managers, and producers, should be noted for their contributions to this extremely mature production. Especially effective is the sparse yet elegant set design of Glenn Reisch '00. Chairs, stairs, and banners form an aesthetically pleasing backdrop...