The sum of ‘Proof’
is entertaining
Identifying the author of a complicated mathematical formula, or proof, becomes the key to a young woman's struggle to take charge of her life in playwright David Auburn's Pulitzer Prize-winner "Proof." As directed by Linda Johnson for Manoa Valley Theatre, the play succeeds in blending comedy with drama, pathos with laughter.
"Proof" continues at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 4 p.m. Sundays, through June 1 at Manoa Valley Theatre,Tickets are $25. Call 988-6131.
True, "Proof" isn't likely to do for theoretical math what MVT's "Wit" did for English sonnets, but no knowledge of math is necessary to get into the story. The broader issues it raises will resonate with many.
Auburn's protagonist, Catherine, sacrificed career plans and dropped out of college to care for her father, Robert, a brilliant mathematician who lost his grip on reality and spent the last years of his life filling notebooks with random nonsense.
Robert has been dead for a week as the play opens, but Auburn waits well into the first scene before revealing that the conversation Catherine is having with her father is imaginary. Catherine is, apparently, close to "going bughouse" herself.
Catherine's father "revolutionized the field" while in his early 20s (several years younger than Catherine is now). Now one of his last graduate students, Harold "Hal" Dobbs, has persuaded Catherine that her father might have left something of importance behind amid all his apparently aimless scribbling.
Hal, who is already 28 and has not yet made any great breakthroughs of his own, has been going through the notebooks, just in case Robert created something of importance in a moment of lucidity.
A single proof of such magnitude could set Hal for life -- but should Catherine trust him?
Catherine must also contend with her vicious older sister, Claire, who has spent the last few years in New York City, and probably would have been happy to have their father institutionalized. Claire has returned to Chicago for the funeral and brought an agenda with her -- sell the house and then take Catherine to New York for "voluntary" psychiatric treatment.
DIRECTOR Johnson brings "Proof" to life with a fine cast. Brent Yoshikami (Hal), a Po'okela-winner for his work in "Wit" at this time last year, does a delightful job in a comic role as the geeky mathematician. Yoshikami, his hair cut short and combed in stubby bangs, makes each scenario plausible and is perfectly cast as a socially maladroit geek.
Johnson, who had to take on the role of Claire shortly before the show opened, gives a well-rounded portrayal of Auburn's designated villain; Claire's agenda is logical, but Auburn insures that we don't buy into it or find any redeeming qualities in the character.
Laura Bach (Catherine) gradually wins our sympathy. Craig Howes (Robert) is instantly likable, while also providing the key in pivotal scenes that illustrate the evolution of the relationship between Robert and his daughter. A scene in which Robert insists that Catherine review a proof he has just completed is particularly well done.
It takes a while to figure out which scenes are imaginary and which are flashbacks, but the play proves complete, even if we never do learn what the titular series of calculations adds to the arcane science of super-advanced mathematics.
A beautifully detailed set designed by Kelly Berry provides a perfect environment for the performers. Edwin James (lighting) and Andrew Meader (sound design) enhance the ambiance of several scenes. Athena Espania's unobtrusive costumes and Greg Howell's cosmetic contributions complete this winning formula for an evening's entertainment.
Click for online
calendars and events.
