Olney’s take on ‘Call of the Wild’ a must-see
By: Nancy Dunham
Special to The Examiner
April 19, 2009
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| The company of “Call of the Wild” at Olney Theatre Center. (Courtesy Photo) |
OLNEY, MD. — What the heck is Olney Theatre Center doing staging “Call of the Wild” in a way that not only gives the classic American story a modern slant, but injects slight humor and beauty into what was once an overwhelmingly savage tale?
Fear not, Jack London fans. The American novel released at the twilight of the 19th century is still fairly intact, although some creative license was taken, which further strengthens the tale’s underlying message. Though the story from the play’s first act is fairly true to the original novel, the play’s second act is more the story of “White Fang,” London’s 1906 follow-up to “Call of the Wild.”
As you likely recall, London wrote “Call of the Wild” after his vast experiences as a pirate, a student at the University of California, Berkley, and, of course, as a gold prospector during the Klondike Gold Rush. It was during his time in Alaska that London developed the idea for the novel, combining his experiences with the many struggles for survival he witnessed.
Eve Muson and an array of student actors first developed the production being staged at Olney at Boston University. It was further refined when the play was staged at the University of Kansas and the University of Virginia under the direction of Marianne Kubik.
The path that led to Olney and the musical rendition of this work — under the direction of Associate Artistic Director Clay Hooper, who directed the Boston University workshop of “Call of the Wild” — allowed actors and designers to greatly influence its development.
The work — as overused as this word is — must be called stunning.
Buck — the half-St. Bernard, half-sheepdog mix that is forced from a pampered domestic existence into a bitter world where he must fight for survival — is wonderfully played by James Gardiner. When Buck faces the sad realization that his kindly master — called a “God” in this production — will never rescue him, it’s heartbreaking, thanks to Gardiner’s subtle yet powerful characterization. As Buck endures the wilderness, his humanity deepens, in contrast to those of the “God’s,” which become more animalistic.
Yet it’s Kieran Welsh-Phillips as White Fang — the offspring of Buck and She-Wolf — that steals the show as the ultimate wild animal that risks everything for love. Her prancing, snarling instinct for survival, which gradually transforms into an ultimately heartbreaking adoration for her “God,” is nothing short of jaw-dropping.
With music — notably “Remember Me,” — that is as haunting as the story, costumes that turn canines into humans and back, and a set that perfectly encapsulates the starkness — and rugged beauty — of the frozen tundra, “Call of the Wild” deserves a place on everyone’s must-see list this season.
If you go
‘Call of the Wild’
Where: Olney Theatre Center, 2001 Olney-Spring Road, Olney, Md.
When: 8 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Sunday (except May 3), 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 7:30 p.m. April 21, 2 p.m. April 15 and April 29; through May 3
Info: $29 to $49; discounts available for students, military and groups; 301-924-3400, olneytheatre.org
