The latest play to hit the stage at Ephrata Performing Arts Center is David Mamet’s Glengarry Glen Ross, and this play is full of drama and high stakes. The play is about shifty real estate agents who are pitted against each other in a sales contest and their struggle for survival. These five real estate men pursue leads, connive and scheme all in order to win a sales contest that is also a veiled fight for their job. The production of Glengarry Glen Ross at EPAC is fiery and the actors in this production are exceptional, this piece is a celebration of ensemble acting.
Glengarry Glen Ross is a play by David Mamet, which won the Pulitzer Prize in 1984. The play is about five real estate men who engage in illegal and unethical acts in order to sell the most real estate. The story also touches on the theme of staying relevant in an ever-changing environment in which the practices of the older agents are not as merciless as the younger ones. Under the direction of Michael Swanson, Glengarry Glen Ross is a solid production.
Sean Young gives an outstanding performance as Richard Roma. Roma is the top selling agent in the office, and it seems he will do just about 
anything to complete a sale. Young brings charm to this slick character, and he is riveting in this role. Ken Seigh plays Shelly Levene, an older salesman who is in a slump and cannot seem to close a sale. Seigh gives a powerful and touching performance. In the first act he was animated and had great banter with John Kleimo, and in act two there are emotional moments where Seigh’s character is trying to prove his continued relevance in the hustling real estate world. John Kleimo portrays George Aaranow, an aging real estate agent who lacks confidence. Kleimo gives an exceptional performance as he depicts a character who is frustrated and disheartened by the loss of a sale. Herb Stump plays Dave Moss. Stump roars with outrage at the indignities he feels he is suffering in his office. He schemes to wreak havoc on the agency. Stump is domineering and gives an incredible performance, particularly with his emotional outburst in act two. Tim Riggs plays John Williamson, the office manager. Riggs is extremely convincing in this role. Iin the beginning of the play he comes across as a somewhat compliant character, although as the plot develops audiences see a different side of this character as he tries to maintain control over the office and its sales agents. Kevin Ditzler gives a wonderful performance as James Lingk, a timid and easily manipulated man who is Roma’s latest client. Rounding out this cast is Noel Smith, who is excellent as Baylen, a police detective who is intimidating and has a powerful presence onstage.
The set that seamlessly transitions from a Chinese Restaurant to a real estate office was designed by Jordan Janota. The Sound Designer is Kary Getz and the Lighting Designer is Mike Wiltraut. In addition, Kate Willman designed the costumes.
Glengarry Glen Ross runs at Ephrata Performing Arts Center through September 17, 2016. For more information and tickets visit their website at www.ephrataperformingartscenter.com or call the box office at 717-733-7966.
Photos courtesy of Ephrata Performing Arts Center.
Final Thought: Glengarry Glen Ross at Ephrata Performing Arts Center is an exceptional play in which the cast engages in a high stakes battle for professional relevancy in an ever changing world that is still played out in many organizations today. It reflects on the actions of men and to what lengths they will go to in order to be successful and maintain their success and relevancy especially in a system that only rates a man on his latest monetary return. The cast of this show is incredible and they all give powerful performances.
Kelli Curtin is editor and writer for theatresensation.com. In addition, she is a contributor for the online site broadwayworld.com. Kelli is excited to share her passion about theatre and the Arts with her readers. Kelli can be found on Twitter, Facebook and on Instagram.
