In playwriting class, students are often instructed to write about what they know. Whether or not Brian Letscher has ever studied the craft of scriptwriting I haven't a clue, but the former Division I football coach-turned-actor has surely heeded that advice. For making its world premiere at the Purple Rose Theatre Company is Letscher's first play, "When The Lights Come On," a testosterone-filled story of a promising, young Division I football coach whose commitments to his wife and to his team are tested at a crucial point in his up-and-coming career.
"I lived, breathed and ate football," the author recently said about his earlier career. "I swallowed it whole, and it nearly did me, as well."
That also pretty much describes the life of Tommy Leonard, the story's main character. Three seasons into his career as an offensive line coach for the slowly improving Western State University Stallions, the coaching staff is given marching orders by Athletic Director Don Gephardt: Sign high school star athlete Dante Blalock, or lose their jobs. So the coaches focus all their energy on pursuing the hot prospect – while they ignore the wives and families that support them.
And where does it get them? Not necessarily where you think – which is one of the many positive aspects of Letscher's script. (Okay, since this IS somewhat autobiographical, you MIGHT figure out the ending. But those unfamiliar with its genesis probably won't.)
Although Letscher populates the play with characters who are somewhat stereotypical of the genre – the handsome, gung-ho jock; the much honored veteran head coach; the coaching staff's grizzled womanizer; the arrogant, backstabbing glory hound; the heartless, bottom-line blowhard who serves as AD; the super-supportive, outwardly happy housewife; and the awestruck graduate assistant – the story he tells generally rings true. (The dialogue inside the locker room is especially realistic.)
But the script's not perfect – yet. For starters, one scene – a powerful moment in Act Two that gives Jim Porterfield a wonderful opportunity to reveal Head Coach Rolly Jones' humanity – is a bit long and awkward. And the character of Jamie, Tommy's wife, comes across as too much of a self-centered bitch to be sympathetic – despite the fact that she has a very valid point to make. (It's how she does it that's cruel.)
The script does get an excellent first staging, however, thanks to slick direction by Guy Sanville, who vigorously explores every nuance the playwright handed him. (Scene changes are especially creative.)
And many Purple Rose favorites breathe life into the characters – including Letscher, who plays Tommy with great zeal; Wayne David Parker, Grant R. Krause, Nicaolas J. Smith and Michelle Mountain.
Yet even with top notch direction and performances, there was still something missing from the world premiere performance. As the show ended, I should have cared more about Tommy and his predicament – or at least had some compassion for him. But I didn't. Maybe his self-inflicted wounds wouldn't allow me to.
(FOR "REVIEW BOX")
REVIEW:
'When The Lights Come On'
Purple Rose Theatre Company, 137 Park St., Chelsea. Wed.-Sun., through May 12. Tickets: $25-$35. For information: 734-433-7673 or http://www.purplerosetheatre.org
