Performance
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"Top Secret: The Battle for the Pentagon Papers"
L.A. Theatre WorksSusan Albert Loewenberg, Producing Director
A Docu-Drama by Leroy Aarons and Geoffrey Cowan
Directed by John Rubinstein
Starring John Heard, Gregory Harrison, John Vickery and Shannon Cochran Visit L.A. Theatre Works on the Web Learn more about the production and the topic under discussion Read the Author's Note Listen to the Modcast Sponsored in part by the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation; Media sponsorship provided by WCVE Public Radio "Consistently superb work" —Los Angeles Times Tuesday, January 22, 2008 —
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
7:30 pmCamp Concert Hall, Booker Hall of Music L.A. Theatre Works (LATW), the leading radio theater company in the United States, offers a timely docudrama about The Washington Post’s decision to publish the Pentagon Papers, a top-secret study documenting U.S. involvement in Vietnam. The subsequent trial tested the parameters of the First Amendment, pitting the public's right to know against the government’s desire for secrecy. In this riveting historical docudrama, Top Secret: The Battle for the Pentagon Papers, LATW brings these important days and the subsequent trial to life. The play, based on interviews and court documents, follows The Post’s staff as they sort through the documents and try to decide if publishing the Pentagon Papers violates national security. Our government’s relationship to the media, the citizenry’s right to information and the First Amendment are all critically explored against the canvas of the Vietnam War and the secretive Nixon White House.
Tickets: $36 adults, $34 seniors 65+, $18 children 12 and under, $28 UR employees, $8 UR students
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LA Radio TheaterPosted: January 22, 2008; 21:57
by: Michael A timely topic and a highly professional performance. Whatever happened, in our nation, to the tradition of investigation journalism? Where are the Times and the Post (one would like to include the TD, but that's asking too much) when we need them?
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re: LA Radio TheaterPosted: January 22, 2008; 23:05
by: linda what a truly marvelous performance and presentation...
it was just what one needed on a cold and rainy night..
loved it, loved it, loved it...
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LA Theater WorksPosted: January 23, 2008; 14:13
by: Samantha At first, seeing that there was no set, I was concerned that the production would keep my attention. As the evening progressed and the story developed, I found myself "seeing" my own set. I also enjoyed watching and hearing the sound creations behind the scenes.
Ned Dunford (submitted via e-mail)
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re: LA Radio TheaterPosted: January 23, 2008; 15:32
by: Harlean In light of all the secrecy, in the name of national security, in the current administration, last night's performance made me think of our founding fathers' idea that government is "of the people, by the people and for the people". "Our" government strayed from the concept in 1971 and is still doing it in 2008. The show was excellent and entertaining and brought back many memories of the VietNam era. Kay Graham is my hero. Keep bringing quality plays like this to the Modlin Center!!
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re: LA Radio TheaterPosted: January 23, 2008; 21:33
by: Ben I didn't really know what to think when I got my tickets. I'm a student here at UR and thought it might not be entertaining. Wow, was I wrong. I found it very entertaining and I loved the sound effects table. Seeing such high quality professionals was also refreshing. I loved the setup, even though I was wary of it, and thoroughly enjoyed it. I even stayed for the Q & A session and really enjoyed it. Thanks for bringing them here. One side note, though, that has already been brought up in other discussions is the lack of student attendance. I've tried to bring others but they just aren't interested, which is a shame.
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re: LA Radio TheaterPosted: January 23, 2008; 22:23
by: Stacie Great event - the acting was excellent, especially Gregory Harrison as Brian Kelly, and Shannon Cochran as Katherine Graham - however, all the actors held my captivity. The script was well-written and I enjoyed the radio format, down to the Foley table. Also enjoyed the humor injections.
I remember the Pentagon Papers topic (and Watergate, and the Impeachment) in the news as a kid, but didn't realize the importance, or understand what the trial and its victory for the papers meant at the time. During the trial on stage tonight, I kept wondering what in the world would the Post have done without Wilson and his photographic memory?! The subject was food for thought - and how things really haven't changed for the better since that time. The friend who accompanied me agreed by saying that the Bush Administration is "the Pentagon Papers on steroids."
Modlin Center - I saw this as well as the Tim Robbins directed "1984" this season - I know these sorts of shows might not be sell-outs like the more popular and easily accessible (i.e. less thought-provoking) performances are, but I prefer both kinds of entertainment. As long as you keep providing them, I will keep making the trek from downtown out there to see them. Thank you.
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re: LA Radio TheaterPosted: January 23, 2008; 23:01
by: LJ As noted above this was a wonderful presentation. Perhaps the current editors of the NY Times and Washington Post should be required to attend. Fortunately we have "Mother Jones". I'm sure they will not perform at the White House!
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re: LA Radio TheaterPosted: January 24, 2008; 09:47
by: Evan Coming into last night’s performance I new very little about the Pentagon Papers. Similar to a good book and better than most movies I found myself captivated by the story. Similar in production to “The Great Tennessee Monkey Trial” (performed at the Modlin Center two seasons ago), the radio-style layout of the play did not detract from the story, but actually enhanced it by providing a characteristic of authenticity.
Each time I attend a Modlin Center production I am reminded of the importance in incorporating the arts into our daily lives. Kathy Panoff and her staff provide learning opportunities that the typical classroom experience cannot capture.
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re: LA Radio TheaterPosted: January 24, 2008; 10:33
by: Karen This was my first time to experience a production offered by The Modlin Center and the performance was excellent. The format, content and quality of performers was engaging, educational and entertaining. Based on the quality of the performance and then entire experience I would recommend The Modlin Center offerings to friends and family. Concerning the performance "Top Secret: Pentagon Papers" I have already contacted friends to make them aware of this wonderful play. Thank you for enriching our community.
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re: LA Radio TheaterPosted: January 26, 2008; 22:08
by: susan excellent and entralling...............we would certainly look forard to seeing the LA Radio theatre return to Richmond in the near future.
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re: LA Radio TheaterPosted: January 27, 2008; 15:53
by: Samantha I attended the show with my wife and a close friend. Our friend has spent some time in the newspaper business; and was in that business and college in the late 1960s. He enjoyed the play immensely given his experiences. My wife and I both enjoy the theatre and we were impressed with the facility, the play, and the cast. We both enjoyed the radio show production format. We both remarked that the lack of set and props did not impact the play at all; in fact in this case, we thought the lack of props and a typical set enhanced the attention to the dialogue and historical references provided by the cast. The last play I saw on Broadway was Deuce with Angela Lansbury. It too had a minimal set and the play was fabulous. My point is that if you have a good script and good actors, the set becomes less important.
Keep up the good work and let's get the LA Theatre Works back to Richmond soon.
Gary (submitted via e-mail)
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re: LA Radio TheaterPosted: January 28, 2008; 11:36
by: John This was both worthwhile and enjoyable. Most actors were outstanding, except John Heard did not seem in good form. He definitely was the weakest in the cast and he should have been one of the strongest (along with the actress who played Graham).
Joanne
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re: LA Radio TheaterPosted: February 4, 2008; 15:37
by: Barbara We really enjoyed it. It certainly is relevant to today's efforts to "handle" the news.
We also saw last year's production of the Scopes Monkey Trial, which we enjoyed. We both thought the Pentagon Papers production was better because the actors seemed to be more "up on their lines."
Bring back more performasnces like this.
Barbara
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