Aloha Performing Arts Company

Rehearsals are underway at the Aloha Theatre for David Mamet's controversial dark comedy "Glengarry Glen Ross," the next production of Aloha Performing Arts Company. The 1982 play shows parts of two days in the lives of four desperate Chicago real estate agents who are prepared to engage in any number of unethical, illegal acts---from lies and flattery to bribery, threats, intimidation, and burglary--to sell undesirable real estate to unwilling prospective buyers.

Ricky Roma, the most successful salesman in the office, is played by Victor Pisauro, who is returning to the Aloha stage after a ten year stint in northern California. Robert Haber plays Shelly "The Machine" Levene, an older, once-successful salesman who has fallen on hard times. Waimea resident John Sucke appears at George Aaronow, an aging follower with low self esteem and no confidence in his sales ability. Dave Moss, a big-mouthed hothead with big dreams and schemes, is portrayed by Christian Martin. Both Martin and Sucke are newcomers to APAC. William LeBus appears as John Williamson, the office manager, who is despised but needed by the salesmen. Terrence Michael Westerman plays James Lingk, a timid, middle-aged man who becomes Roma's latest client, with disturbing results. Tom Johnson is Baylen, the police detective who is investigating the office break-in around which the plot revolves.

"Glengarry Glen Ross" draws partly on Mamet's experiences in a Chicago real estate office, where he worked briefly in the late 1960's. The title comes from the names of two of the real estate developments being peddled by the salesmen, Glengarry Highlands and Glen Ross Farms. The play won the 1983 Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Play and the 1984 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. A 2005 Broadway revival won both the Drama Desk Award and the Tony Award for Outstanding Revival of a Play. APAC's production is directed by Jerry Tracy, assisted by Ken Ross. Producers are Haber and Pisauro, with costume design by Ann Marsh, set design by LeBus and stage management by Joel Michaelson.

Production dates are April 23 through May 8, with Friday and Saturday shows at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $18 and $15, and APAC is offering a special rate of $3.00 off regular admission to licensed realtors with verification. Patrons are advised that the play features adult themes and crude language, as well as cigarette smoking, mitigated by a specially designed ventilation system which pulls the smoke out the back of the theatre. "Glengarry Glen Ross" is not suitable for children. For more information, call 322-9924.

3/31/10