STW’s Current Production Is Doing Well By Doing Good 

By June S. April

STAMFORD —  Even before the courageous Rosa Parks refused to move to the back of the bus, baseball legend Jackie Robinson defied the color barrier and in 1947, with the tenacious backing of Dodgers President and General Manager Branch Rickey, changed the course of history by integrating professional baseball.

There are some particularly personal links to National Pastime, the current production at Stamford TheatreWorks. This, the East Coast premiere of Pastime, is also particularly fitting since Jackie Robinson’s family moved to Stamford in 1955 and the park where little leaguers still play ball is alive and well today.

Also, when Steve Karp, the founder and producing director of STW, was a little boy playing baseball in Stamford, he received an award from the great baseball legend himself.  The photograph you see hung over Karp’s bed throughout his youth.  

The impact of National Pastime, which was written by Bryan Harnetiaux, stands as a powerful testimonial to the courage of a family, a brilliant/valiant athlete, and the persistent efforts of a man with a vision. It is appropriate for all ages. General Electric, through its mentoring program, has funded a special performance on Friday, February 17, for students to come see this play.

The passion of the actors reflects what is often seen at STW: a great deal of research went into the times and their characters and a sense of trust and cooperation between thespian and director.  All 13 members of the cast relay the intensity of the difficulties felt by Robinson through death threats to his family and taunting at the games was brilliantly portrayed by actor Leopold Lowe.

As the cigar chewing, driven manager Branch Rickey, Paul Falzone stands as a very wise choice to play this outspoken man.

In a quieter, but no less powerful performance, Wiley Moore as the reporter Wendell Smith and Sedley Oscar Bloomfield playing the great Leroy “Satchel” Paige also turn in outstanding characterizations.

Jackie Robinson’s widow, Rachel, could be portrayed in greater depth. This is not an issue for actor Toks Olagundoye, however, but for the playwright to consider. Rachel was the rock in Jackie’s life when he faltered.

Playing Robinson’s mother Mallie, the actor and director Patricia Floyd brings humor to the play and great sensitivity to the role.

Extensive research went into the set created by Richard Ellis (with some input from Mr Karp) and the lighting by Aaron Meadow and sound design by Christopher Granger added a heightened sense of “the game.”

The motto of The Jackie Robinson Foundation is “Education is Our Pitch.” A portion of all single ticket sales will go to benefit this foundation.

Running through February 19, National Pastime serves as an important play to remind anyone, especially in these most difficult times, that pursuing one’s dream is important and integrity and love stand as virtues that can make a difference.

(Stamford TheatreWorks is on the campus of Sacred Heart Academy, on the corner of 5th and Strawberry Hill in Stamford.

For tickets and further information call 203-359-4414 or visit www.StamfordTheatreWorks.org.)