Playing 'the game of life'

By Lorraine Lucciola, Standard-Times correspondent

At a final rehearsal of the Little Theatre of Fall River's production of "The Roar of the Greasepaint, The Smell of the Crowd," director Ray Berube grins widely as actor Kenny Ettress mugs, dips, scampers across the stage and flatters his own "cocky" ego. It is a smile of satisfaction and accomplishment, and Mr. Berube has reason to be proud. So does Mr. Ettress, who plays the leading role of the downtrodden Cocky.

Mr. Berube, one of the Little Theatre's most affable and versatile directors, is at it again. This is the second time he has directed the Anthony Newley/Leslie Bricusse musical. Last year he directed Little Theatre's tremendously successful production of "Stop the World, I Want To Get Off" by the same British writing team.

"I think of 'Roar of the Greasepaint' as a sequel piece to "Stop the World'," says Mr. Berube. "In 'Stop the World,' Littlechap, the underdog, grows until the end when he realizes his mistakes. Cocky, in "Roar of the Greasepaint" is all bravado and ego."

Paul Allard, in the equally demanding role of Sir, plays opposite Mr. Ettress. "This is the most difficult role I can remember playing," he says. "The guy doesn't stop. He spouts Latin ... fires orders at Cocky ... I do love him (the character of Sir)...

"He's pompous, full of himself. He has to win ... and he has to change," notes Mr. Allard.

The floor of the playing area in the Firebarn theater is brightly painted in a game-board configuration. The play "is a fable, a fantasy playing out the game of life," says Mr. Berube. For the characters in this show, playing the game means exploring such issues as work, religion, hunger, success, rebellion and death in a world ruled by the "haves," who attempt to force the "have-nots" into submission.

Mr. Ettress has played the role of the Negro twice before in previous community productions of "The Roar of the Greasepaint." This time he plays the inimitably feisty, socially inferior Cocky. This is the first time he has worked with Mr. Berube as a director.

"This is my first show with Ray," says Mr. Ettress. "He's great. He listens ... he doesn't smother. As a black man, doing the Cockney thing, I want to do it right ... I want to keep the blackness in the character, who also happens to be English," he explains.

Cathy Taitz appears as the Girl. In life and on the stage, getting the girl is often seen as a win -- a victory of taste, manners and money over poverty, a lack of culture and low breeding.

"She is really a fantasy," says Ms. Taitz. She is hand-picked from the Street Urchins by Sir, paraded about and displayed like a trophy, a conquest. This ownership by Sir cuts to the quick of Cocky's rebellious heart and makes for some of the most poignant moments in the show.

This popular Newley/Bricusse vehicle contains witty and appealing dialogue and a beautiful musical score. The tunes include "On A Wonderful Day Like Today," "Who Can I Turn To," "Feeling Good," "The Joker," "What A Man," "Look At That Face," "Put It In The Book," "My First Love Song" and others.

Supporting players include Rebecca Turcotte, Adam Foster and a lively musical and dancing chorus featuring Terri Langstaff, Shandy Monte, Laura Brophy, Bethany Domingue, Cory Santos, Barbara Hamel Ferreira, Ben Jolivet, April Monchik, Karen Valcourt, Lori Ashworth, David Splinter, Sunni Cardoso, John Dias and Christopher Hickey.

Musical direction is by Albert Deston III, with choreography by Jeff Belanger. Terri Ferro is stage manager.

"The Roar of the Greasepaint, The Smell of the Crowd" caps Little Theatre's summer season at the air-conditioned Firebarn, 340 Prospect St., Fall River. The show opens tomorrow evening at 8 p.m., and will be performed at 8 p.m. Saturday and 7 p.m. Sunday. Performances next week will take place at 8 p.m. Aug. 27 through 29 and 7 p.m. Aug. 30.

Tickets are $12; senior citizen and students discounts are available, as are group rates. For reservations and information, call (508) 675-1852.

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