Lance Cpl. Harold Dawson - Steven Moore
Pfc. Louden Downey - William Bird
Lt. (j.g.) Sam Weinberg - Neil Ferguson
Lt. (j.g.) Daniel A. Kaffee - Barrett Gregory
Lt. Cmdr. Joanne Galloway - Linda Hughes
Capt. Isaac Whitaker - Dave Jones
Capt. Matthew A. Markinson - Tom Filkins
Pfc. William T. Santiago - Austin Briggman
Lt. Col. Nathan Jessup - Tom Charity
1st Lt. Jonathan James Kendrick - Robert Lewis
1st Lt. Jack Ross - Dave Richmond
Cpl. Dunn - Kyle Trew
Cpl. Thomas - Mike Hunter
Cpl. Hammaker - Bill Fenner
Cpl. Jeffrey Owen Howard - Mike Hejduk
Sgt. At Arms - Mike Hunter
Capt. Julius A. Randolph - Bill Fenner
Cmdr. Walter Stone - Jack Mann
Orderly - Frieda Brown
Chief Legalman - Lisa Cahoon
M.P. #1 - Kyle Trew
M.P. #2 - George Malosky

Meet the Original

Outer Banks Sentinel
March 8, 2001

by J.R. Latta

Several Good Men and Women gave an outstanding performance last night as the Theatre of Dare opened Aaron Sorkin’s "A Few Good Men" to an entertained and appreciative audience. This absorbing courtroom drama revolves around the efforts of three Navy lawyers to find the real culprit behind the hazing death of a Marine private (the popularized movie version included Tom Cruise, Demi Moore and Jack Nicholson).

Barrett Gregory plays a cunningly carefree and jocular Lt. j.g. who at first seems only uninterested and amused at the serious and concerted efforts of Linda Hughes, his unwelcome higher ranking co-counsel. Eventually he rises to her challenge of getting to the truth of the case. Linda skillfully balances her disdain for her partner and the frustrations of the case, in addition to artfully portraying a growing attraction and admiration for the upstart attorney. The audience is drawn in to their developing teamwork and held there by the twists and turns of their discoveries and deductions. This Defense Duo is rounded out by Neil Ferguson, who delightfully plays Barrett’s best friend and assistant lawyer and who adroitly lightens up tensions with the best one-liners in the show.

Tom Charity, again revealing his theatre pedigree, is a natural in the role of the almost-insane Marine base Colonel. Always one click away from exploding the truth, he keeps everyone’s hackles raised with icy subtleties until the dramatic climax of the final court scene. His aids, Tom Filkins and Robert Lewis, obey his misguided commands with fierce loyalty, until an overwhelmed Tom portrays a shocking moment in the play.

Dave Richmond shrewdly characterizes the cool-headed chief prosecutor who continually keeps the defense team wishing they had settled earlier.

The accused corporal and private are played by Steven Moore and William Bird who keep us focused on the case by contrasting duty and doubt; following orders and following conscience. Austin Briggman does a fine job in cameo flashbacks as their unwitting and vulnerable victim.

Judge Bill Fenner keeps the court in order in an easy no-nonsense style as other cast members portray crisp and believable military bearing. Dave Jones is a reluctant fatherly Captain. Kyle Trew, Mike Hunter, Bill Fenner, Mike Hejduk, and George Malosky are serious and squared away corporals and M.P.s. Jack Mann is the threatened base doctor, Frieda Brown is the dutiful Orderly and Lisa Cahoon is the efficient Legalman.

Director Charlie Meyer has done a really professional job in forming this large cast into a smooth running military tale of intrigue and surprise. The scenes are virtually seamless and the minimal sets compliment the powerful dramatic exchanges. The stage crew is quick, nimble, and silent and the entire cast and crew deserve a solid "well done".

Support our community’s local theatre efforts and go see "A Few Good Men" .

Although there is the caution of "adult language", (i.e. commonly used by most teens out of parental earshot) the military and character context make it appropriate.