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| Paul Linke - Photo by Patricia Highsmith |
By Joe Straw
Living and breathing in Los Angeles for many years I have heard the name Paul Linke. Paul Linke this, Paul Linke that, Paul Linke preformed this, Paul Linke directed that, and written by, who else, Paul Linke. So, I thought that maybe after hearing his name a thousand times or feeling his name around the nether region of my encephalon, albeit occupying a soft space, that I should finally go and see him because of, well, time.
The Ruskin Group Theatre Company presents “It’s Only a Show” directed by Edward Edwards, produced by Michael R. Myers & John Ruskin.
Parking is free!
The Ruskin Group Theatre is a wonderful venue and the people there are as pleasant as can be from the actor selling cookies to the box office woman selling the tickets. When asked if she had seen the show, she said, “Be prepared to cry.”
Reflecting, one thought that Charles Nelson Reilly was supposed to be funny. Naytheless, knowing that comedy is also rooted by deep gut-wrenching personal tragedies one should expect to release a myriad of emotions.
Not thinking much about the name, the program on this night, specifically, the spelling of his name - “Riley” not “Reilly” - and after fact checking it is “Reilly”. Possibly a humorous typo serving a purpose or, a bit of fun before the show starts.
One saw a portion of “The Life of Reilly” filmed in 2004 by Charles Nelson Reilly a first-person narrative about this life. Linke’s performance is not an imitation. But he plays this as a third person narrative, switching to first person when he is speaking about himself and interacting with the audience.
One goes to see few one person shows liking to see conflict between two or more people and relating in ways that are peculiar and interesting. But Paul has done “37 years of solo performing” so one thinks that he has got this type of acting down pat.
And, he does.
The set on this night appears to be for another show. There are a few props and set pieces, a director’s chair, a small stand next to it, a cup of water and a clipboard. A few small things to give us the feeling of a stage where an artist will use his vocal prowess to paint the stage.
And, he does.
Paul Linke manages to capture Reilly’s life and does so exquisitely. Gamboling in casual wear, he takes the stage to paint a vibrant picture and lays it out on the canvas for us to see, first in small increments, until an ethereal smile crosses our lips and a warmness envelope our entire sphere. His voice is strong, and the pauses leaves one breathless as he places a dramatic stamp on the canvas. The historical figures are all there, now only small impressions visibly throwing out big thoughts enough to be seen and felt. Reilly’s dreams are captured and realized through Linke’s instrument.
“This place is for you!”
“You’ve got to learn how to do this.”
“They don’t put queers on tv.”
The ups and downs are dramatic enough, moving us through this life of Reilly, and watching as the man becomes the master of multiple crafts, an actor, a writer, and a director.
And, it is all so wonderful.
It’s hard to see where Charles Nelson Reilly’s writing begins and Paul Linke’s writing end. The two are enmeshed in exquisite humor playing, dancing, and recounting events in time and space. And the spoken pictures that take you to the Bronx are beautiful.
Edward Edwards directs this very fine production almost to perfection. The notes were hit, the pauses left one to contemplate, and the movement on stage was dramatic enough to believe the characters were all in the room. The racists mother, the artistic and alcoholic father, and the inspiring teacher who would not give up on Charles’s mother. They fill the canvas beautifully until the lights come up and the images slowly become evanescent, a scenic slot etched in the recesses of our memory.
When leaving the Ruskin, one can’t feel more enthusiastic about theatre in Los Angeles, the craft, and what actors are willing to give that serves to touch a deep emotional core. Paul Linke does all this and more in “It’s Only A Show!”.
Other member of this delightful show are as follows:
Nicole Millar - Stage Manager
Ed Salas - Sound and Lighting Design
Judith Borne - Publicity
Austin Highsmith - Social Media
Amelia Mulkey - Graphic Design
The show ends today, so...Run! Run! Run!
It’s Only a Show!"runs at 5pm on Saturdays through March 23, 2024.Ruskin
Group Theatre is located at 3000 Airport Avenue, Santa Monica, CA
90405. Tickets: $20 - $30 ($5 off seniors/students/guild, and groups of 6
or more) at www.ruskingrouptheatre.com