5/5
Stage West.
63 Mins. Starring: Martin Sheen, Rob Lowe, Allison Janney, Bradley Whitford, Richard Schiff, Dulé Hill, Janel Moloney & Sterling K. Brown. Creator: Aaron Sorkin.
Zoom read reunions for television alumni have dominated quarantine during this COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 like the smart suits and no pants, 'Anchorman' dance to working from home. 'Frasier', 'How I Met Your Mother' and a 'Community' of classics. As Hollywood found new ways to entertain us during all this social isolation like rappers going head-to-head in online 'Verzuz' with Twitter trolls unable to get a word in...let alone a tweet. But now one of America's most prolific primetime dramas is taking it a step further on stage, creating its own Bubble like the Basketball leagues of the NBA and the WNBA in Disney World Florida for social justice because Black Lives Matter like arresting the cops who killed Breonna Taylor. And its all for 'When We All Vote', the benefit becoming from First Lady Michelle Obama hoping we can bring change by getting out there for the ballot...no matter where the box is. Plastic shields over their faces, shot from a social distance of six feet or more. You'd think this was 'Star Wars' or something. But when you see everything sanitised and wiped down more than Niles Crane's chair in Café Nervosa, you'll see its just pandemic protocol. And when you see who's behind those masks, you'll realise fond nostalgia like it was all the yesterday you wish you could see again. The most epic ensemble drama on the small screen since George Clooney et al's 'ER', 'The West Wing' reunion revival reminds us again of when America really was great...and can still be again one day under another man's campaign in all its inspired idealism. Back when 'The West Wing' first aired in the early 2000's we were in a worldwide crisis like we are now twenty years later with this virus and the hate mongering other one that looks orange. 9/11 had just happened and many thought George Bush had his finger on the nuclear button as even shiny suit man and mogul P. Diddy, no longer dancing, rocked a t-shirt that said, "VOTE OR DIE!" Even more said they would vote for the fictional Jed Bartlet who carried more influence than the inept, real commander in chief. One played by 'Apocalypse Now' and "I LOVED YOU IN" 'Wall Street' legend Martin Sheen who really made his name here after POTUS plays on 'JFK' and Sorkin's 'American President' blueprint. You know they'd do the same this November. So long as they get out and vote.
Checkmate! The pieces are in order for this one that sees the whole board and really is a chess move. As creator, 'Moneyball' writer and 'Molly's Game' director Aaron Sorkin really hits big this week with this and his screenplay and direction for this Friday's released 'The Trial Of The Chicago 7' historical, needle moving drama on Netflix. Taking the 'Hartsfield's Landing' of his favourite episode from his show and bringing it back to the max for HBO, on stage in the Los Angeles spectator-less brooding beauty of the Orpheum theatre that offers both a sense of haunting foreboding and also the peace and purity of the acting art form in all its pregnant pauses and empty spaces of emotion. Amazingly atmospheric with not a soul in sight off stage. Orchestrated mahogany desk beautifully like the stirring sting rendition opening of the traditional theme. It's amazing like Tennessee how well this episode works and acts as a play. Reminding us of when Netflix turned Kerry Washington's actual foreboding, 'American Son' Broadway play into an actual live filmed movie that everyone needs to take their seats for. From hollowed out prop car backseats, to White House situation room entrances standing proud like Roman columns carved out of marble, this set-piece fits the bill, as authentic as it gets right now. But it's when the slick script of Sorkin trademark dynamic dialogue comes into play that it all comes back to you like this administration never left office. The "old bands back together", even if there is a little salt and pepper in their beard, 'Get Out', 'Philadelphia' and 'Scent Of A Woman' star Bradley Whitford says in a beautifully candid and compelling, eloquent introduction that can't be given justice here, unless we quoted it all word, for word. Let's just put it this way, it holds you. Not in a vice grip of current administration intimidation, but rather the hand of an old friend that doesn't leave your side for the next hour it spends with you. Picking up where you left off like coffee with someone you haven't seen in years. They haven't lost a step either. Like Whitford's Josh characters "Okay" trademark disinterestingly masquerading quips that hide a more vulnerable, caring side just a thin skin distance below the surface. Also reminding us that whoever cancelled his Sorkin reunion on 'Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip' with new friend Matthew Perry probably voted for Trump. At least we have his charming chemistry with assistant Janel Moloney reunited like taking his coat again. We could watch these two go back and forth all day, even if the signature walk-and-talk corridors of the set they walk through have got significantly smaller. All whilst we wish they would just Ross and Rachel already before the break.
Powerful and poignant Mr. President, no one settles back into their old role more than the Sheen of Martin. All the way to how he holds his glasses or takes off his blazer like he is lassoing a cowboy...a Texan...or a reality TV apprentice. The moment he steps off his faux Air Force One that at this point may as well have been made out of cardboard...because even Leonardo DiCaprio's Frank Abagnale couldn't con. Catch this one of you can, but vote if your life depended on it...because it really does. You don't need commercial break testaments from Michelle Obama, President Bill Clinton, Samuel L. Jackson (without a single swear, but the words have never been stronger I swear) or former cast members Marlee Matlin (also continuing her chemistry with Bradley) and 'The Handmaid's Tale's' own Elisabeth Moss to know that. Yet their wonderful words are more than wise. Just like all the presidents men that return here. Like the forever young, but maturing before our very eyes Dulé Hill who now appeals to the generation his age when the show started to get out and vote and realise that politics effects everyone and is everything you care about. This is one of Charlie (or should we say Chaz's) best episodes too. Going back and forth, like the question and answer exchange of the only White House Press Secretary worth her salt, Allison Janney. What more can we say about this absolute icon who has been serving more than looks in 'Mom', 'Bad Education', 'I, Tonya' in chameleon classic career turns since "one final question folks"? But how about the compelling, catalyst chess game between President Sheen and the only one who can match him for his polished return to a role that fits him like an old suit in Richard Schiff's Toby Ziegler in all his shy strength? Character conflictions have never had such conviction. That episode were he tracks down a deceased homeless man he gave his coat to in order to help others still warms our heart like an oil drum fire in Winter. As only he can humbly with shame convince others of his genuine ability to care and do something about it saying, "I'm a very powerful person", whilst scratching his eye like he's actually trying to push that very idea out his socket. It's no wonder Samuel L. Jackson uses another actual quote from this character like it was one from an important figure in history (it kind of is in the fictional one of Hollywood). This screenplay curated dedication is worth far more than the speeches currently coming out of the White House...or should we say Twitter? And you don't need to be a fly on the wall (or scalp) to see that. And what a joy it is to have Mr. Hollywood, Rob Lowe back in this best wing like stories he only tells his friends now this V.P has finished leading the Lakers to the NBA Championship like LeBron (what do you mean it's not him? Bartlet always told him that he'd be President one day. Rob Pelinka? Who's that?!). However, sadly not everyone can be brought back. Like the dearly, departed, late, great legend John Spencer. Still, 'This Is Us', 'The People Vs OJ Simpson' and 'Black Panther' and 'Marshall' megastar Sterling K. Brown steps in admirably as a fine choice for Leo McGarry with real courtesy professionalism and respect. Honouring the character whilst still bringing himself and a new take to the fore. He feels like someone who would have been perfect for the series back in the day. He is now. He really is one of our generations greatest. This is him. A truly sterling job from a stellar actor as genuine as they come. Whilst he puts his hand over his heart with an address to screen with Hill you know it's as real and heartfelt as it gets. Like him. Like this. And just wait until you realize who's reading the act introductions. Scene. 'The West Wing's' revival and sweet sobering story return is a joy and reminder of how lovely life was when we tried to help instead of hurt each other now the house of cards has fallen down. Or a time where I fondly used to watch this every week with my father and mother, making memories that will last like just being in the sitting rooms with the ones you really care about. Just living. Far from home, isolated in the Far East of Japan I was genuinely moved to happy tears by the character reconciliations. But it's also much more than that. It's a critical reminder of how far we've come away from that now and that if we ever want to go back (if we even can), or if we want to get to the the promised land of an even better place, we only have to do one thing. It's simple. Vote! TIM DAVID HARVEY.
Further Filming: 'The West Wing', 'American Son', 'The Trial Of The Chicago 7'.
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