ON THE FRINGE: PLAY REVIEW/A SEPARATE PEACE

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Seemingly, most of us are familiar with John Knowles’ classic novel, since it is required reading in most middle schools in this country. It concerns the friendship of two young men during Summer and Winter terms at the Devon School, a fictional New Hampshire academy (Knowles’ thinly veiled alma mater, Phillips Exeter) in 1942. The two are as different as can be; one studious and serious, the other athletic and carefree. They are tightly drawn to each other, perhaps in many respects due to their vastly contrasting qualities. This bond grows to become thrilling, confusing and eventually tragic as events play out.

The United States had just joined the war, and the idyllic and tranquil environs of the grounds contrast with the students ever present realization that they may soon be called to arms. This beautiful coming of age story parallels our country's loss of innocence and has always struck a major chord with readers since its initial publication in 1960. It has twice been adapted for the screen; in 1972 by Paramount Pictures (starring Parker Stevenson of "The Hardy Boys") and more recently in 2004, by the Showtime Network.

Accomplished actor Brian Foyster has set himself a monumental task in turning this famous novel into a solo show in which he narrates (as the lead character Gene) and also takes on all of the other roles. To this challenge, the talented and handsome Mr. Foyster rises admirably. The adaptation is brisk, engrossing and precise, and Foyster gives each persona a distinct voice, inner life and attitude, often flipping from one to the other in the blink of an eye. All of the action takes place on a practically bare stage with just a desk, a bench and a stack of suitcases used (to great effect) to dilineate the various locales. The  mood evoking lighting design by Grant Wilcoxen adds greatly to the proceedings, especially the stark and lovely image of a tree that figures so prominently in the story, and is projected often on an upstage screen. Mr. Foyster has also been wisely guided by his gifted director Jason McConnell Buzas, to take full advantage of the playing area (and his remarkable dexterity) by rolling, crawling and jumping through the various demands of the proceedings. The author/performer obviously has a great respect for Mr. Knowles’ work, which is evident in his adherence to the tone and language of the text, and has every reason to be proud of the emotionally affecting product of his passion.

A Separate Peace is part of the The New York International Fringe Festival and continues at the Connelly Theater (220 E 4^th St) on WED 8/18, WED 8/25, FRI 8/27 and SAT 8/28.