A Stark Reflection on a Golden Age: Review of ‘Teh First Lady of Television’
“The First Lady of Television,” currently playing,is a compelling drama that skillfully interweaves humor and tragedy to illuminate a dark chapter in American history: the McCarthy era’s impact on the entertainment industry. The play, by sherman, centers on Gertrude berg, the creator and star of the beloved sitcom “The Goldbergs,” and the agonizing choice she faced when one of her lead actors, philip Loeb, was targeted during the Red Scare.
The production vividly portrays the climate of fear and suspicion fueled by accusations of communist influence. loeb, played with heartbreaking nuance by William Dick (who also portrays Loeb off-camera), finds himself listed in “Red Channels,” a pamphlet used to blacklist individuals in radio and television. Berg, brilliantly embodied by Sarah Coakley Price, is then presented with an unachievable ultimatum: fire Loeb to save her show, or stand by him and risk cancellation by CBS.This central conflict forms the dramatic core of the play, a tension described as “an over-tuned violin string just about to snap.”
The play’s innovative structure features a cast performing dual roles – actors within the world of “The goldbergs” and the actors portraying them behind the scenes. Ty Fanning embodies both Sammy Goldberg and the less-than-stellar actor playing him, Larry Robinson, while Mark David Kaplan delivers a notably memorable performance as both the seemingly frail Uncle David and the sharp-witted Eli Mintz. This layered approach underscores the personal stakes involved for everyone connected to the show.
“The First Lady of Television” doesn’t shy away from the historical realities of the period. It highlights how manny of McCarthy’s targets were Jewish, activists for civil rights and labor, or artists deemed ”subversive.” Kaplan’s portrayal of Mintz provides crucial context, offering a concise history of labor rights and the damaging actions of the House Commitee on Un-American Activities.
The play is framed by powerful monologues,beginning with a seemingly optimistic portrayal of Molly (Berg’s on-screen persona) delivering a Sanka commercial,and culminating in a defiant,unscripted address by Gertrude Berg herself. This final moment, a rejection of advertiser control, is described as chillingly effective.
Director Jones masterfully balances the comedic elements inherent in the “Goldbergs” setting with the serious weight of the historical events. The set design, featuring a recreation of “The Goldbergs'” living room and a looming Sanka billboard, effectively illustrates the pervasive influence of advertisers and corporations in shaping the narrative. Pre-show clips from iconic sitcoms like MASH,”I Love Lucy,” and “All in the Family” further ground the play in the context of television history.
With a powerhouse cast and a meticulously crafted script,”The First Lady of Television” is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant production that serves as a stark reminder of a time when artistic freedom and personal integrity were under siege. While perhaps slightly short at 75 minutes, the play delivers a potent message about courage, conviction, and the enduring power of standing up for what is right.
