Family dynamics, drama, capture essence of award-winning story

Robert Allen

Daily Press Writer

MONTROSE — Magic Circle Players’ live-action winter production of “Proof” opens this evening at Magic Circle Theatre.

The Pulitzer-prize winning drama written by David Auburn was produced as a motion picture in 2005, starring Anthony Hopkins and Gwyneth Paltrow. It has been rated “R” by the production crew because of some coarse language and adult concepts.

“I loved it,” Lois Gilchrist said of the dress rehearsal. “It reminded me of ‘A Beautiful Mind.’”

The story centers on a woman’s relationship with her father, a renowned mathematician who loses his mind. Through flashbacks and twists, the plot ties together themes of integrity, eccentricity and vacillating love.

“As adults, we’re all dealing with elderly parents, dementia of some sort,” director Kathy Gordon said. Family dynamics have an important part in the play, she said.

The performance takes place on the porch of an old house and consists of four actors. Nici Liberato-Hall plays Catherine, a woman in her mid-twenties who has spent the past several years taking care of her father as his health deteriorates. Bill Bottomly plays Catherine’s father Robert, a demented mathematician who seems to be suffering from elements of obsessive-compulsive disorder and schizophrenia.

Jim Riddell’s character, Hal is one of Robert’s former students who spends much of his time in the company of Catherine. Christina Gonzales plays Catherine’s sister, Clair, a New York City socialite.

“Working with these three is a good mix,” Bottomly said. “I think we’ve recreated what Mr. Auburn wanted to convey.”

To get into his role, Bottomly spent time reading up on and observing people exhibiting the traits of mental disturbance central to his character’s role, he said.

“I would watch how they move, watch body language,” he said.

As the U.S. population ages and the number of people over 50 increases, society is slowly changing. Many people can relate to such themes conveyed through the play, Bottomly said.

The play begins every Friday and Saturday evening at 7:30 p.m. for the rest of the month, with one performance on Sunday, Jan. 21 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $9 for seniors and $6 for students. Call 249-7838 for more information.

Contact Robert Allen via e-mail at RobertA@montrosepress.com