Lyric Stage Company of Boston Presents "Warrior Class" by Kenneth Lin - A Timely and Tumultuous Tale of Political Intrigue

The current production running at Lyric Stage could not be more timely as we stand on the cusp of the end of what has been a brutal election season. "Warrior Class" by Kenneth Lin was first produced in 2012, but is even more poignant in 2016, given the guerilla warfare that has characterized this Presidential election.

Mr. Lin has carved out a story in the form of a three-hander one act play that follows the arc of an Asian New York Assemblyman being vetted by his party for a potential run for Congress. Complications arise when a former girlfriend from his college days alleges some improprieties in their relationship, and the strong arm ways in which the party pros choose to deal with the woman and her allegations is revelatory and deeply disturbing.  Mr. Lin has been involved in the acclaimed Netflix series "House of Cards," and one can recognize the same hard-edged Machiavellian machinations that make "House of Cards" such a guilty pleasure for many viewers.

In addition to the stellar writing, Director Dawn M. Simmons has the three actors interacting in ways that throw off sparks and cause the audience to wonder what is coming next. Michael Tow portrays Assemblyman Julius Weishan Lee with a reserved intensity that is very effective. Jessica Webb is a powerhouse as Holly Lillian Eames, the former girlfriend who is a tough cookie when it comes to protecting herself and her family. Steven Barkhimer is his usual redoutable self in the delicious role of Nathan Berkshire. Mr. Berkshire is a jaded political operative who has seen it all and has been around the block a few times too many.  Here is the best way to think of this character.  In service to the circus that is a looming Congressional campaign, he is the man with a very large shovel following behind the GOP candidates, cleaning up their elephant poop. As played by Mr. Barkhimer, this man is complex - simultaneously world weary and tough as nails. He has mortgaged his role as husband and father to the unforgiving bank of politics, and seems on the brink being foreclosed upon in the domestic part of his life, such as it is.

Steven Barkhimer as Mr. Berkshire
Michael Tow as Mr. Lee
"Warrior Class" by Kenneth Lin
Lyric Stage Company of Boston
Through November 13th
Photo by Mark S. Howard

The playwright is a master at using metaphor to drive home his points.  Several scenes come to mind as examples.

• In an early scene, Berkshire meets with Mrs. Eames in a chop house.  He boasts that the burgers are not just ground beef, but the chef takes an actual steak that you pick out and they grind it into the meat that will become your burger. Suddenly, we get the hint that in the eyes of this playwright, politics is a chop house where even the most prime candidate is likely to be ground up into minced meat at the hands of media, opponents and enemies who lurk as skeletons in the closet.
• Upstage center, the set features a baby grand piano that is part of the Assemblyman's home. Both he and Mr. Berkshire eventually sit at the keyboard and play.  It is noted that Middle C is out of tune. It becomes clear as the action develops that Mr. Lee is emotionally tone deaf.  We learn that as he and Jessica were breaking up after dating for a year and a half, he tried several aggressive ploys to win her back. She interpreted the gestures as stalking, while he saw them as expressions of love. His Middle C was out of tune!
• One of those ploys was for him to go out on the bridle path where he knew she rode her horse.  He hung his very distinctive and recognizable backpack from a tree above the trail. She saw it as an intimidating gesture, but he saw it as an act of love. He eventually revealed that the bag was full of carrots for the horse.  He had offered a carrot, and she saw it as a stick.
• Popcorn plays a role in establishing the humanity of Mr. Lee, and in foreshadowing the denouement of the play.

The Scenic Design by the talented Jenna McFarland Lord is very versatile - serving as the chop house, and quickly transforming into Mr. Lee's home.  Costume Design is by Chelsea Kerl, Lighting Design is by Daniel H. Jentzen, and Sound Design is by Elizabeth Cahill. All members of the creative team are working at the top of their game.

A subservient theme in this political drama is the haunting question: "Who deserves a second chance after youthful indiscretions prove to throw dark shadows on present pursuits?" Can an individual change and grow? How do we really know if someone is different than they were before? Mr. Lin offers no easy answers, but rather provides plenty of food for thought - food that must be chewed like a good steak that has not been overly marinated or put through a meatgrinder.

Jessica Webb as Mrs. Eames

Steven Barkhimer as Mr. Berkshire

"Warrior Class" by Kenneth Lin

Lyric Stage Company of Boston

Through November 13th

Photo by Mark S. Howard

This excellent production will run through November 13th. It is worthy of your attention and a place on your entertainment ballot.  Vote with your feet, and with your entertainment dollar.

Lyric Stage Website

Enjoy!

Al