SUFFIELD — Starting in February the Suffield Players will present a production of Aaron Sorkin’s acclaimed court room drama “A Few Good Men” at Mapleton Hall.
Set in Guantanamo Bay, the story follows military lawyers defending two Marines accused of murder. As their investigation unfolds, they uncover a high-level conspiracy, forcing them to grapple with duty, loyalty and morality. Written by Aaron Sorkin (“The West Wing,” “The Social Network”), this gripping drama explores the ethical dilemmas and complexities of justice within the military system.
“It is an honor to get to work with this amazing cast and production team to bring this show to life,” said Director Becca Coolong. “‘A Few Good Men’ highlights the complicated questions that surround us and the impact of morality on individuals as well as the military machine. It makes us think and leaves us with critical questions about our own code of honor and ethics.”
Recommended for ages 13 and up, the show promises to challenge audiences with its thought provoking themes and compelling narrative. For tickets and more information on the show visit SuffieldPlayers.org.
Performances will begin on Friday, Feb. 14 and run throughout the month on Feb. 15, 16, 21-23, 28 and a final performance on Saturday March 1. Sunday matinees will happen on Feb. 16 and 23 at 2 p.m., with all other performances beginning at 8 p.m.
Producer of the show, Rissa Fregeau, told Reminder Publishing the decision to put on this production was made a year ago in planning for the theaters winter show, which is typically a drama.
“It’s a play that is from the ‘80s but it really holds its message for today in terms of looking at how people treat each other and how people follow orders,” said Fregeau. “When do you follow an order and is that always? Or is there a time where you say wait that’s bullying, that’s wrong.”
The famous movie was adapted originally from a stage play, also written by Sorkin. With the talented cast and crew of the Suffield Players now preparing for this show, Fregeau said that Coolong is approaching the role as director looking to separate their production from the movie so many have become familiar with.
“Our director Becca Coolong has been really adamant that we’re not doing the movie. This is going to look very different than the movie. Her concept of time and space — she’s doing a movable set,” Fregeau said. “Because there’s a lot of moving scene to scene, which is hard to do in a play.”
Fregeau also added the play explores themes of identity for soldiers and their individuality within the military structure.
Subtitled performances will be available on Feb. 14, 15 and 23 to ensure accessibility for all audience members, a unique resource the theater has been proud to offer.
“We have gotten good responses from the community who needs it,” Fregeau said. “I think we try really hard at the Suffield Players to be a community theater and looking for where we can help people and make a difference.”
Fregeau said she hopes people come out for these performances and see the effort being put in by the cast and crew on this classic story. She added the production has a military advisor on set who has helped in rehearsals the cast prepare and equipped to be accurate to real life military details.
“One of the things that I heard when we chose this show is how many community theaters do the military part incorrectly in terms of standing at attention, having the correct salutes, etc., so we have a military advisor,” Fregeau said. He’s been wonderful. He’s done mini boot camps for them. They’re learning how to stand at attention, how to turn, how to salute. Getting the details of the uniforms are correct. It’s paying attention to detail that I think is really important and that will stand out.”
