‘Traveler’ visits Malibu stage

Special to The Acorn


Harold Gould

Harold Gould

"Fellow Traveler," currently playing at Malibu Stage Company, is a first-rate production. Starring Harold Gould, the play deals with the struggles of a Hollywood writer coming to terms with the demise of communism in Soviet Russia. It asks the question, "What happens when the ideals you have based your existence upon crumble?"


Harold Gould (Arnold Priest) is a "Fellow Traveler," an American who idealizes socialism and sees communism as the solution to social ills. Upon seeing the collapse of the Soviet Union, he’s forced to make a choice; that of refusing to believe the atrocities committed or facing the fact that his moral existence has been crushed and the remainder of his life must be agonizingly reassessed.


Priest is put to the test when a friend and ex-partner, David Kreutzer, played by Michael Kagan, asks him for help in obtaining a writing job. Kreutzer, who needs one more year of work to receive the health coverage needed for his young bride to have a baby, stopped working with Priest when Priest refused to acknowledge the horrors of communism.


"I had to safeguard my illusions," he says. Gould and Kagan, who appear very relaxed in their roles, know their lines well. Both are seasoned actors.


As Priest’s wife of 30 years, Mimi Cozzens (Providence Allgrace-Priest) plays the aging wife who must deal with a husband afraid to acknowledge his feelings, who’s passionate in his beliefs and struggling with denial.


She must pick up the pieces. The relationship between husband and wife is well-enacted on stage, both believable and intense.


"Fellow Traveler" is a vehicle for the Priest character; a fellow traveler and a true believer. All the characters revolve around him and his human suffering. Great art comes out of struggle, Priest says, as he tells how struggle makes one strong.


As Evening Star, Kagan’s young wife, Molly Weber is making her Los Angeles stage debut. "Who were the Rosenbergs?" Star asks as she displays youth and ignorance, contrasted between young and old.


Comparisons are shown throughout the play; including young and old; capitalism vs. communism, male and female. Differences are apparent when two young, fast-talking television writers appear briefly, one in a baseball cap and present-day youthful attire. They provide a good contrast to Priest and Kreutzer, writers of the past.


The play consists of both social and political commentary, and it’s a good lesson in history. It’s sharp, timely, witty and will make you laugh and reflect at the same time. Effective use of symbolism gives meaning to the story as characters describe dreams and events which give the audience "food for thought."


I was especially moved by one of the last scenes in the play, when Priest recites a prayer of repentance, confessing his sins and asking forgiveness. Gould played this scene with such emotion that I felt his pain and suffering as I watched. I couldn’t help but be moved by his acting which seemed so real.


This is serious theater and an excellent production. Written by John Herman Shaner, a Sundance Institute creative advisor and member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Shaner has shown a mastery of playwriting and characterization in "Fellow Traveler."


The audience reaction was favorable, as Gould received a standing ovation and performers took a second curtain call due to the persistence of the audience who refused to cease clapping or to leave. I overheard one man say, "There wasn’t a bad line in this play."


I agree.


"Fellow Traveler," making its world premiere, plays through Oct. 20. Performances will be given on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $20 but group and senior rates are available. For tickets, call the Malibu Stage Company at (310) 589-1998.




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