"Lobby Hero," New Ground Theatre
By Ruby Nancy, QUAD-CITY TIMES -- August 28, 2003

New Ground Theatre continues its run of contemporary, thought-provoking work with Kenneth Lonergan’s “Lobby Hero,” and, as repeat audience members will expect, the production and the writing are both very good.

Set in and just outside the lobby of a New York City apartment building, and not in the finest of neighborhoods, this show centers on Jeff, a security guard who works the graveyard shift. Rick Davis stars in this title role, and his low-key, always on target performance is at the heart of almost every scene. He creates a self-effacing character with an offbeat sense of humor, almost as annoying as it is endearing, but Davis easily manages to pull the many facets of Jeff together into a cohesive whole.

The show raises many issues — including the definitions of loyalty and truth, the fairness of the criminal justice system, the pervasiveness of sexual harassment, police coercion and police brutality, among others — but its central focus is on Jeff’s struggle with right and wrong. And Davis’ superb work lets us see that conflict clearly, yet he also delivers the jokes perfectly. Don’t be surprised to find yourself — almost from the first few lines — rooting for this unlikely, wonderfully realized “Lobby Hero."

As Dawn, a rookie cop, Jamie Em Johnson is also excellent, playing a determined, emotionally volatile young woman with intense authenticity. Her performance has depth and heart, and she’ll impress you with her first-class work.

Torron D. Crawford also does nice work as William, the head of a security firm, and the crisis of conscience his character faces is a tough one, too. Torn by family loyalty, a personal sense of justice and a desire to tell the truth, William’s struggle is a gripping one that will force you to think about what you would really do in the same situation. He probably needs something to do with his hands during part of act one, but his performance is a definite success.

Bill, a veteran cop (played by Dick Lafrenz) is the only character here who does not face an ethical dilemma — and though Lafrenz isn’t the huge fellow called for in the script, he infuses the role with a smarmy deliberation that is pretty intimidating just the same.

The set and related tech are all quite good, especially the tawdry touches that lend the hotel lobby a defeated air — though I suspect an elevator in that kind of building would be pretty noisy — and all the production values offer a simple background for this character-driven work.

Lonergan’s script (including some realistic profanity and frank discussions most folks wouldn’t want their kids to hear) slips into heavy exposition a time or two (okay, three), but “Lobby Hero” is still very good writing, and Quad-City audiences are lucky enough to be able to see this kind of work done well.

Don’t miss this fine work.

If you go:
“Lobby Hero,” by New Ground Theatre
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, Aug. 28-30 & Sept. 4-6; 2 p.m. Sundays, Aug. 31 & Sept. 7
Where: Rivermont Collegiate, 1821 Sunset Drive, Bettendorf
How much: $12 adults, $10 students and senior citizens
Information: (563) 326-7529

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