A View from the Cliff: “The Graduate”

The show must go on. The show must go on.

This well-honored adage rang true before Saturday evening’s performance. The president of the Heights Players, Ed Healy, stood center stage. He announced the passing of the troupe’s principal founder, John Bourne. Just weeks earlier, a 90th birthday celebration had been held in his honor. After sharing poignant memories, the performance began.

“The Graduate” is both comedy and drama. It’s an anthem to the defiant 1960s and to 20-something anti-hero Ben Braddock. For those of us who lived through that rebellious era, the Heights players offer an adult, intelligent interpretation.

Director Cameron McIntosh says, “’The Graduate’ has been categorized over and over…You can strip away any one of these (categories) and still be left with its core: a coming-of-age story.” The title role, then, goes to Sam Kinsman. He is a wonderful brew of contradictions. Kinsman offers the essence of Ben; sometimes impulsive, sometimes overwhelmed, sometimes completely confused, ultimately decisive. Nicely done!

The infamous role of Mrs. Robinson is well played by Mindy Cassle. Is she really the villain or merely misunderstood? Either way, Cassle does not seek the audience’s sympathy. If anything, her character is empty and cruel– exactly one of the intended messages. In stark contrast to her mother is the beautiful, fragile, naïve Elaine Robinson. She is played with just the right vulnerability by Kristen Seavey.

Ben’s parents (Mary T. Farrell, Brian Ullman) successfully tackle very difficult roles as loving but clueless mother and father. Did they really deserve the emotional arrows hurled at them by their self-absorbed son? On the other hand, R.L. Swartz skillfully transforms from sincerely kind to terrifyingly furious as the cuckolded Mr. Robinson.

The music from Simon and Garfunkel echoes 1960s angst. Combinations of light and shadow underscore Ben’s brooding temperament. Sets are effectively minimal. Supporting cast members (Kari Soustiel, Brian Roach, Cammerron Baits, Andrea Bernardo, Casey Buttari, Andrew J. Mayer, Ian Prince) juggle their multiple roles with ease. Behind the scenes staff (Gary VanderPutten, Ayano Ganaha, Taylor Rynski, Noel MacDuffie, Jan VanderPutten, Andrea Bernardo) is equally strong.

For information on this and future productions (Neil Simon’s “Fools” arrives in February) call 718-237-2752, surf to www.heightsplayers.org or check Facebook. As always, save me a seat on the aisle.