Review: Elevator Project's Bren Rapp presents an impactful southwest regional premiere of Joseph Vitale’s MURROW

 Murrow

By Joseph Vitale

Directed by Montgomery Sutton

Audience Rating: PG
Running Time: 80 minutes without intermission
Accessible Seating: Available
Hearing Devices: Not Available
Sensory Friendly Showing: Not Available
ASL Performance: Not Available
Volume Level: Comfortable
Noises and Visuals to Prepare For: Some loud sound effects and sudden bright lighting changes

Reviewed by Grant Palmore

In the present, mass media runs rampant in the lives of people in our country and worldwide. Information transfer has never been faster in human history. Such realities are illuminated most when reflecting on times before they were commonplace. 

Joseph Vitale’s one-man play Murrow explores and examines the expansion of media consumption through the life and lens of Edward R. Murrow, the renowned journalist, and broadcaster of radio and television connected notably to intimate coverage of World War II and McCarthyism (Directed deftly by Montgomery Sutton). 

Nicolas Greco commands the stage in his measured turn as Murrow. He captivates in the stories he tells and his range is impressive. In some reminiscences, he created instances that drew in every member of the audience into an intimate moment tender with emotion. At other times, he fills the entire theater with the powerful delivery of his voice and untethered convictions. Additionally, his masterful execution of Vitale’s text was superb – particularly during portions that appeared to be direct transcriptions of Edward R. Murrow’s actual broadcasts. 

Greco’s efforts are emphasized and heightened by the space. The efficient set comprises a multi-level platform with a chair and a stately wooden desk with a gleaming microphone (Set Design and Set Construction by Clare Floyd DeVries and Conor Clark, respectively). In the background hang large framed screens that transform with various exegetic projections throughout the play (Projections by Eric Scot Voecks). Greco weaves around the space, contemplating the events of his life and their consequences — often consulting the projections to illustrate his ideas or considering their contents like the facets of a jewel. These projections, paired with the keenly designed sound and lighting, produce a powerful experience for all the senses (Sound Design and Light Design by Kellen Voss and Aaron Johansen respectively).

Bren Rapp (Executive Producer/Producer) has assembled a talented team for this powerful, poignant production. Joseph Vitale’s Murrow plays from Thursday, April 11 to Sunday, April 21 at Hamon Hall of the Winspear Opera House in Dallas, Texas. Tickets available at https://attpac.org/event/murrow-by-joseph-vitale

Check it out!

Grant Palmore