By Amanda VanNostrand.
Joseph Heller’s Catch-22 is at Curio Theater Company under the direction of Claire Moyer from now until May 19th. Somehow deeply moving, thought provoking, and comedic all at once, Catch-22 seats war on the stage and divulges the story of one man’s experience as he struggles with realities of life and death, patriotism, sanity, and madness. This story is unfortunate, but it is well told and satisfying to partake in.
Catch-22 is Captain Yossarian’s story. Yossarian is an American stationed on the island of Pianosa during the Second World War. He desperately wishes to return home after flying over 50 missions that have proven deadly to both the enemy and his own men. Yossarian is deeply distressed by the horrors of war and is constantly being told that he will be released soon only to have his number of required air raids increased before that promise is fulfilled. As Yossarian struggles with his obligation and works through his stresses, we are introduced to over twenty additional characters. This version of Catch-22 holds six actors who consistently switch into new roles and bring forth the people who are along for Yossarian’s ride. His hopelessness is prominent because the people around him are frustratingly blind to what he sees and feels; from doctors, whores, and Texans, most of these characters are impractical and infuriating (therefore making them entirely enjoyable).
Heller wrote Catch-22 in novel form years after his own experiences in war. So many of his supposed struggles come out in Yossarian’s character: he grapples with his and others sanity (or lack thereof); Yossarian argues about who the enemy is – is it the other side, or is it anyone who cares little for his life? (Such as his own Colonel.) Yossarian watches as others disregard the sanctity and value of life – both his own and the lives of his fellow American men. These others are the ones who dictate his place in the war, and because of this he struggles to find meaning in his wartime position as he flies planes, drops bombs, and affects known and unknown lives.
Catch-22 is written in such a way that pristine talent is required for anyone to come close to pulling off the array of characters presented by a single actor. Chase Byrd plays Yossarian, and he is great – the angst of Yossarian is portrayed effectively and creatively in every scene and line in which Byrd partakes. However, Byrd is the only actor responsible for just one part: the other five actors play many roles, and each actor is more than adept at doing so. Their roles are not simple, yet every character is distinctly represented. One particularly notable actress is Sarah Knittel who playes ‘Nately’s Whore and others’. Knittel is phenomenal. Both her ease at switching roles and her success at each one are commendable. She is hysterical; her characters are all enjoyable (even the murderous ones) because of the spunk and effortlessness with which she presents them. Sarah Knittel is a definite favorite. This rendition of Catch-22 is fixed with a fantastically well-chosen cast.
The set design (Paul Kuhn) of this production is unique and is a major asset to the show. The stage is rectangular and the seats are set up on three of the four outskirts. The floor is a black and white map of a large piece of Europe. There are 1940s suitcases, filing cabinets, and a moveable table to accommodate the needs of each scene on the border of the map floor. This timely setting is used creatively and effectively. It is resourceful: the filing cabinet doubles as a hospital bed; the desk doubles as an operating table; strings of letters provide enough of a visual to note a mail room while a clothesline and kerchief represent Italy! To accompany the visual of the time(s) and place(s), the characters sing songs from the 1940s as scenes transition from one to the next. Audience members will also enjoy some tunes playing in the background to support the setting, as well as oldies playing before the show and during intermission. Prepare to go back in time as you watch this story unfold.
This rendition of Catch-22 is a success. It transforms grim matters and wraps them into a story that is serious enough to push the audience to think and feel (at some times even tear up) while placing genuine laughter throughout. At times the comedy may seem as if it is coming too soon and another few moments should reside between the laughs but overall there is a great balance of deep plot and comedy, making Catch-22 a must see show.