A far cry from the humorous and satirical productions of recent years, BBA’s A Few Good Men by Aaron Sorkin critiques the hierarchy of the United States military by posing moral questions for the audience to piece together.
A Few Good Men showcased on November 9th, 2023. Months worth of excitement that had enveloped the Riley Center for the Arts since the start of the school year came to a culmination with three spectacular performances that left one yearning to return again the following night. The production is a legal drama, following two marines who have been charged with performing an illegal military order that resulted in the accidental killing of a fellow Marine. Beyond simply taking viewers through the web of legal proceedings occurring in the courtroom, the show gradually uncovers a moral dilemma, leaving the audience pondering the line between following orders and doing what one believes to be right.
Joey Masalsky, a Burr and Burton junior, began his acting journey in his freshman year drama class, and has since starred in numerous BBA theater productions, including last year’s The One Act Play That Goes Wrong, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, and, most recently, A Few Good Men. Masalsky, known for his portrayals of exuberant and animated characters, played the role of Col Jessup, the commanding officer who, through an abuse of his power, gave the order that led the two men on trial responsible for the death of a fellow Marine.
According to Masalsky, after having done many lighthearted plays, he and his fellow cast members knew that they wanted to do something heavier. Taking on a role that challenged certain ideals and forced cast members to face the emotions that come with yelling and resentment was a manner of self expression that Masalsky described as a “miracle.”
The close knit cast of the play viewed their preparation as a valuable opportunity in which they could be vulnerable around each other. Masalsky confidently stated that being able communicate emotions openly in such an environment drew the entire cast together, not only as performers, but as people. The cast's dedication to their craft, their devotion to connecting with each other, and their enjoyment of their journey laid the foundation for an iconic performance that would make Sorkin proud.
One facet of this story that attracted the cast and crew was the parallel that can be drawn between many of the questions being posed to this day regarding our society and what our country stands for, with those raised in the play. This production “speaks volumes to the uncertainty that people have in their own country,” says Masalsky, who believes that the relatable themes and quandaries of A Few Good Men played a major role in piquing the interest of many who decided to attend one (or more) of the three performances.
A striking 180-degree turn from the emotion and somber nature of A Few Good Men, the upcoming Spring Musical production of the universally loved Mamma Mia! has triggered an anticipatory buzz throughout the BBA student body, in those performing as well as those of us who, unfortunately, still haven’t exactly nailed some of ABBA's high notes.