Tuesday, September 17, 2002

BY BARBARA TRAININ BLANK
For The Patriot-News

In a drama season featuring the macabre, whimsical and big musicals, Theatre Harrisburg's opener stands out.

"Visiting Mr. Green" is a contemporary two-character play by Jeff Baron grounded in everyday reality and loaded with charm.

Its plot revolves around the chance meeting of two very different men.

Ross Gardiner, an almost 30-something Manhattan executive played by David Filipiak, is compelled to visit Mr. Green, an elderly Jewish widower portrayed by Jay Krevsky. Generation gap doesn't begin to describe the differences between this odd couple.

Predictably, those differences melt in common humanity. The fun -- and some sadness -- lies in what happens along the way.

The laughs come fast and deep in the first act. Though the second takes on a more-serious, almost preachy tone -- fortunately, it doesn't cross the line -- it's the humor you're most likely to remember.

Artistic director Thomas G. Hostetter lets the conflict develop slowly and then erupt. He takes advantage of every possible pregnant pause in a play that could easily be adapted for a television series.

Despite the convincing shuffle and mental lapses, the younger Krevsky doesn't quite come off as an 86-year-old. But no matter. He understands the character's self-imposed isolation. With gestures and a Yiddish accent that are both evocative and restrained, Krevsky is memorable in the role that won Eli Wallach a Tony nomination.

Filipiak, formerly seen on this stage only in a small singing and dancing role in "Damn Yankees," shines as his visitor, Ross. At first I was afraid he'd play a stereotypical yuppie. But it was wonderful to watch the frequently changing expressions on Filipiak's face as he uncovers the character's many layers.

Lighting, arranged by Scott Summers, plays a large part in setting the mood in this one-set play.

Thanks to the thoughtfully designed set by David Fisher and the well-balanced performances, what might have been too small a play for the large Whitaker stage fills it.