When Paddy Chayefsky wrote his impactful movie in the late 70s, we had not yet felt the full force of his predictions on how our realities would be impacted by what’s on the ubiquitous screens. Now, however, we are living in the reality of the unreality that so many screens….both large and small … are feeding us every day. Therefore, it is no surprise that Group Rep’s play rendition will leave you reeling. Directed by veteran Tom Lazarus, the cast of what feels like thousands, delivers the news (and what stands in for news) while fleshing out the story.
If you remember, Network features a news anchor, Howard Beale (compellingly played by Bert Emmett), who goes off the rails one day, only to be repurposed by Programming Director, Diana Christensen (Michelle McGregor) as a modern-day messiah; one that can be bent to the will of the corporation.
As we watch Beale implode, we notice the burgeoning love story between very-married UBS network executive Max Schumacher (Lary Toffler) and Diana. And between these two strands — the studio Newsroom, with adjoining offices, and a succession of bedrooms, we hear vintage television commercials playing in the background. All in all, we’re enveloped in 1975 as if the ensuing 50 years have never happened. And as the play (and Beele’s grip on his audience) unfolds, we notice with horror, the extent to which we’ve fallen for these same tactics over the ensuing time.
Lazarus has the advantage of working with such a talented pool of performers, to essentially recreate the movie on Group Rep’s mainstage. But producer and performer Stevie Stern wrangles an equally talented second group of professionals to bring the show to life. The versatile set, also designed by Lazarus, showing the newsroom at center, must accommodate all of 29 scenes, and the elaborate use of video, (engineered by Samy Strittmatter and managed by videographer Tom O’Shea), both on screens and videotaped live, adds to the ambiance.
The best part, however, I’ve left for last — and that is the audience participation of we spectators, who united, on the night I was there, in a spirited “I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore!” This is Beale’s mantra, and, if you like me, it’s easy to see us all individually, in our living rooms, watching the latest news unspooling and breaking out in the same spirited chant. Thus, Group Rep’s Network, helps all of us recognize how easily we can all be manipulated.
Network continues at the Group Rep’s Lonny Chapman Theatre, 10900 Burbank Blvd, North Hollywood, 91601, running Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm through June 29th , 2025. All Tickets, $36, with student and Sr. tickets at $30. A special rate for groups of ten or more, also available. For information, and tickets call (818) 763-5990or online: www.thegrouprep.com.
