One of the controversial topics of our time is whether faith belongs in the media, and especially in the nightly news. Steven Belber’s thought provoking play “The Power of Duff,” which had its West Coast premiere this past Wednesday at the Geffen Playhouse, explores this contentious issue and the importance of human connection in a world which is rapidly growing disconnected. Belber’s compelling play provides humor and insight into a complicated issue of what it means to have faith in humanity... regardless of religion. 

Belber’s play centers around jaded TV news anchor Charlie Duff (Josh Stamberg) of Channel 10 news in Rochester, New Yorl. It opens with a humorous banter between the jokester sportscaster John Ebbs (Brendan Griffin) and lackluster anchor Charlie Duff. The realistic volley between these characters provides insight into their on and off camera personas. The television anchor's lighthearted relationships quickly and dramatically shift when Duff’s father suddenly dies. Grief stricken, Duff spontaneously signs off his portion of the newscast with a short prayer closing the broadcast. His conscientious co-anchor Sue (Elizabeth Rodriguez) and his boss Scott (Eric Ladin) are surprised and shocked. Ratings for the news show begin to soar, and his boss and fellow co-workers become newly invested in Duff’s reports and perspective. Viewers are increasingly convinced that Duff’s prayers are answered and are the reason that many local news stories are ending happily. Casey (Maurice Williams), a beaten prisoner, miraculously comes out of a coma and gives his own insight to Duff and Ebbs. 

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Duff’s newfound fame and supposed faith spark new emotions, leading him to reflect on his lackluster career and disconnection with his co-workers, ex-wife and teenage son Ricky (Tanner Buchanan). He begins to feel a need to connect with people and his community.

Originally written as a screenplay, and then adapted to stage, director Peter DuBois’s cinematic vision creates a captivating and artistic experience for the audience. Scenic designer Clint Ramos’s use of projections across the white walls of the stage allow for seamless changes in settings and scenes. The audience is able to view every transition, prop, costume, and set change with dimmed light throughout the numerous scene changes. The projections illuminating the walls show Duff’s family home, his apartment, a park, city streets, jail and other various locations in the play. The projections add a beautiful and realistic quality to the production, and a unique way of telling the story.

Josh Stamberg’s brilliant performance as Charlie Duff commands the audience to invest as they are lead by him on his journey. This is only possible through Stamberg's engaged, detailed, and specific acting choices. We clearly see the transformation in character as Charlie Duff realizes that he has not cared or committed to anything passionately for years.

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Brendan Griffin tackles an extremely dynamic character (John Ebbs) with his in-depth and genuine performance. Griffin's John Ebbs masterfully switches from the loud boisterous confident announcer to the one dealing with darkness and depression. He approaches his depression with honesty and humor. Griffin hides nothing in his performance of a man who's feelings of loneliness and depression is clearly masked. It is very interesting to see John Ebbs frankness throughout the story even when he is hiding things. Griffin's honesty, integrity, and presence create a genuine and captivating performance with both humor and heart. Live news reports by Ron Kirkpatrick (Joe Paulik) add humorous entertainment in his switch from character to character. It is impossible not to respect the many transformations Paulik undergoes throughout the play.

This powerful and compelling play, masterfully directed by Peter DuBois, expresses the importance of human connection. It provides commentary on faith in media, while also questioning what the meaning of faith really means to the individual. Every aspect of this play is executed in a brilliant way through its direction, acting, and set design. The details and depth of this production resonate with audience members long past the curtain call. It unites viewers in the questions that it raises and through the relatable material of the human condition.

"The Power of Duff" is playing at the Geffen Playhouse (10886 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles) through May 17th. Tickets are $39-$79. For more information please visit GeffenPlayhouse.com

Contact Contributor Caitlin Kilgore here.

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