Visiting Mr. Green – Courtesy of Duane Mercier.Used with permission.
Nestled on the corner of northwest 19th and Alabama Streets on the Indy’s Old Northside is the venerable Epilogue Players Theatre. An intimate space with only fifty seats, the all-volunteer group that was founded in 1977 but has been in its present home since 1984 adjacent to the Hedback Theatre home of Footlite Musicals, itself a beloved Indy community theatre. Formed with a mission to present programming that targets its seniors, to many Epilogue is a best kept secret. For purposes of transparency, the first and only time I saw one of its productions “Morning After Grace,” was this past November. Having reviewed that production favorably and suitably impressed, I returned for Thursday night’s preview of “Visiting Mr. Green” which was another positive experience. Thus, I am pleased to announce that I am fortunate I did.
Visiting Mr. Green – Courtesy of Duane Mercier. Used with permission.
Having seen the production Off Broadway, starring Eli Wallach, in 1997 during its one-year run at the Union Square Theatre in New York City, I knew what to expect but was curious as to how the Epilogue production would be interpreted. Simultaneously, I understood the importance of compartmentalizing the two, ensuring that comparisons were avoided and to judge this amateur effort on its own merits.
Written by Jeff Baron, “Visiting Mr. Green,” is a dramedy which centers on eighty-six-year-old, cranky widower Mr. Green (Tom Bartley) who is nearly hit by a car driven by kindly Ross Gardiner (Grant Bowen), a young corporate executive Ross Gardiner. The setting is Green’s upper westside apartment in New York City, where all the action takes place. Found guilty of reckless driving, Ross is ordered to spend the next six months making weekly visits to Mr. Green. It’s a comedy with many one-liners about two people who can’t stand being together. It develops into a drama, with family secrets being revealed and historical issues re-emerging. There are several surprises in the plot but loathe to share spoilers, I prefer to whet your appetite and pique your interest so you will discover the previously mentioned revelations yourself.
Visiting Mr. Green – Courtesy of Duane Mercier. Used with permission.
Again, for the sake of transparency, I wish to point out that I had a brief conversation with the show’s director Mac Bellner who informed me that Baron, the playwright, and she had communicated about her production. It was fascinating to learn that he is supportive and offers assistance to every single production, large and small, of this still relevant work that has been on stage worldwide ever since its debut.
The interaction with the man who created the piece obviously made a difference because Bellner’s direction was artful and astute. Bartley and Bowen turned out solid, convincing performances despite not matching the characters’ physical descriptions as written in the script. However, both individuals demonstrated credibility during critical moments. It is to their credit and Bellner’s that they were believable and infused their characters with likability and relatability.
It is recommended to see that you experience this exploration of loneliness, aging, tolerance and acceptance. At a time when such themes are still very much relevant, “Visiting Mr. Green” is worth seeing because it will leave you feeing hopeful and uplifted.
For tickets to “Visting Mr. Green,” which runs through April 13, visit epilogueplayers.com.
