Good review of "A Few Good Men"

Dylans play gets high marks from the RCJ.
Here's the review:

Review: ‘A Few Good Men' looks pretty good
By Tom Timmons, Special to the Journal
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RAPID CITY - The Black Hills Community Theatre production of "A Few Good Men" is a compelling drama about a wrongful death, a high-level coverup and a riveting military court-martial.
"A Few Good Men" opens with the cast standing at attention while the national anthem is played. Each actor is dressed in identical black trousers and black turtleneck. The only color throughout the entire production is the flag, illuminated behind a blue scrim curtain. At the end of the anthem, the cast marches off with military precision.

The action revolves around two Marines who are accused of murdering a fellow Marine at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. They have admitted guilt, but Lt. Cmdr. Joanne Galloway (Jenn Greenwaldt) is convinced that the Marines are protecting someone. She manages to get the case reviewed. Lt. j.g. Daniel Kaffee (Anthony Deiss) and Lt. j.g. Sam Weinberg (Reese Kor) are assigned as defense lawyers.
Initially, the Marines are uncooperative with the lawyers. Reluctantly, they admit they were following orders to carry out a "Code Red," an unofficial act where physical punishment is meted out for minor breaches of military conduct.
Lt. Jonathon Kendrick (Justin Speck) orders Lance Cpl. Harold Dawson (Danny Jones) to teach Pfc. William Santiago (Robert Ellerbruck) a lesson about following the military chain of command.
During the "Code Red," Santiago has a rag stuffed in his mouth, which is then closed with duct tape. While Dawson and Pfc. Louden Downey (Dylan Fleming) shave Santiago's head, he collapses. A short time later, Santiago is pronounced dead, and the two Marines are arrested for murder.
The defense lawyers are stymied by Dawson and Downey's blind adherence to the Marine Code of Honor. The production raises a complex ethical issue: When a Marine dies at the hands of his fellow Marines who are following orders, who is accountable? The fundamental question is, who is really to blame — the ones who committed the crime or the ones who ordered it?
Director Mikal Kraklio makes a number of interesting artistic decisions about the presentation of "A Few Good Men."
Kraklio says, "You don't need sets, costumes, and props to have incredible theater." Costuming the entire cast in identical black clothing with all-black stage props gives an Orwellian mood to the production and places the focus solely on the actors and the script.
Deiss as Lt. j.g. Kaffee has a cocky charm one expects from a young defense lawyer. Yet Deiss lacks the smug haughtiness that his lines suggest. At times, Deiss struggles with a character whose arrogance is maturing into professionalism. By the crucial courtroom scene, Deiss gives an exceptional performance of a man with pride in his duty and a new commitment to justice.
Greenwaldt as Lt. Cmdr. Galloway is an idealistic hothead. Greenwaldt allows her character to annoy, badger and alienate everyone with whom she has contact. Yet her dedication to justice wins her the grudging respect of her peers.
Jones and Fleming, the two accused Marines, are proud that they are serving their country. They maintain their rigid Marine posture and shout their "Sir, yes sir!" with authentic military gusto.
Speck as Lt. Kendrick portrays a man with gung ho devotion to his commanding officer. Speck portrays a character who struggles to rationalize his blind obedience to orders.
Wayne Gilbert as the ambitious Lt. Col. Nathan Jessep gives a strong interpretation of the abuse of power. Gilbert sometimes understates his role when using intimidation to bully his subordinates. However, Gilbert is marvelous as a patronizing, glib "good old boy."
Jack Delaney is the exemplary Marine Capt. Markinson. Delaney shines as he allows his character to struggle with the conflicting demands of duty, loyalty and honor.
"A Few Good Men" is a study in the maxim: "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." The cast convincingly portrays loyal soldiers caught in a conspiracy of power and a web of corruption.
The production is fast-paced and tense. The climactic courtroom scene between Lt. Col Jessep and Lt. Kaffee is drama at its best.
"A Few Good Men" opened on Broadway in 1989 and continues to provoke serious discussions. With the recent controversy surrounding the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq, the script is a timely exploration of military obedience versus ethical actions.
Black Hills Community Theatre's production continues through April 17. Contact the BHCT Box Office at 394-1786 for reservations or additional information.
Tom Timmons is a retired educator. In addition to a doctorate in education, he has a bachelor's degree in English, speech and theater.