Anything For High Ratings

Network

Long before Jerry Springer, Howard Stern and reality TV as a popular alternative to scripted dramas and sitcoms, Paddy Chayefsky’s Academy Award-winning screenplay satirized how television might be willing to do anything for high ratings. The movie, a black comedy-drama, became one of the highest grossing films of 1976. It opened the public’s eyes to what was really going on within the often corrupt world of broadcasting. Audiences suddenly became privy to the inner workings of the television industry, including all its unsavory little secrets. 

In the film, which was adapted for the stage by playwright Lee Hall, popular veteran news anchorman Howard Beale is told that, because of his show’s low ratings, he’s going to be fired. Beale’s shocking response is that he has nothing left to live for. So, in his final broadcast, Howard Beale intends to commit suicide in front of the cameras. The network execs’ first response is to take Beale off the air immediately and get him some help. After all, the man’s become clinically depressed after losing his wife, and now alcohol is his constant companion. Surprisingly the TV station’s long-time veteran then launches into an angry tirade shouting everything that’s been on his mind.

When the ratings for the news show spike, ambitious Program Director, Diana Christiansen, sees this as an opportunity for even higher ratings and, not so coincidentally, her own career advancement. She seduces Max Schumacher, the head of the UBS Evening News and Beale’s longtime friend, and tries to get him to consider the Evening News as entertainment television. She convinces Frank Hackett, the blustering big boss of UBS, to see the newscast in a new light, imagining Howard Beale as its flashy star in a kind of program that would represent the American public. In fact, a live studio audience would be invited to attend the broadcasts and urged to cheer, applaud and chant along with Howard. 

The outspoken owner of the network is understandably furious. As part of the new format Beale is given free rein to articulate his and the country’s rage about everything that’s wrong with the news, television and, as an extension, the state of the nation. This puts the financial security of the network in jeopardy. But Beale becomes a celebrity and is dubbed The Mad Prophet of the Airwaves. His populist catchphrase becomes the mantra for the entire nation: “We’re mad as hell and we’re not going to take it anymore!”

Invictus Theatre Company’s latest offering is a truly ambitious endeavor. Directing this production, superbly guided by the company’s gifted Artistic Director, Charles Askenaizer, must’ve been a challenge. With so many moving parts, it would be like juggling a collection of chainsaws and keeping a number of plates spinning in the air, while balancing on a unicycle on a tightrope. The Windy City Playhouse has been turned into an authentic-looking television studio, complete with live TV cameras, a wall of working monitors, microphones and a sound and technician’s booth, a newscaster’s desk (and additional settings) and, of course, seating for the studio audience. The inventive and realistic stage setting was designed by talented brilliant Technical Director, Kevin Rolfs. Rachel Livingston’s Scenic Dressing and Props are clever and totally real-looking. Petter Wahlback’s sensitive Sound Design allows the audience to hear the actors and background sound & music adequately. And Lighting Designer/Technical Consultant Chad Lussier lends his talent to directing the audience to observe the entire immersive, environmental production.

The entire cast is an astounding ensemble of talented actors who work together is like a well-tuned machine. In the Oscar-winning role made famous in the film by the late Peter Finch, James Turano is fantastic. His fury is all encompassing and palpable and, as he works his way through the audience, Mr. Turano comfortably interacts with theatergoers. As his friend Max Schumacher, Chief of the network’s News Division, Chuck Munro is especially affecting. His charismatic and cautiously articulated portrayal of a man who trades his professionalism for a romp in the hay is sad, but beautifully played. Anne Trodden’s solid portrayal of Programming Chief Diana Christiansen is both coldblooded yet at times, filled with sexual passion. When this slithering snake bares her fangs and strikes, nothing will stop Diana from achieving her goal and getting ahead. 

The heavy in this production is a man who personifies guts and glory. Joe Sergio plays a forceful network executive and broadcasting bully. Frank Hackett is like a raging bull. His loud, audacious, in-your-face directives and commands even makes the audience shiver with uneasiness. John Chambers is a polished and professional gentleman, as Harry Hunter. Joe Feliciano is strong as Nelson Chaney, and Fred Wellisch and James Lewis are both believable as Edward Ruddy and the Director of the News. The additional supporting cast of announcers, floor managers, warm-up personnel and technicians are all excellent, believable and appear fully involved in the television broadcast.

Invictus Theatre Company’s penetrating and profound new presentation is excellent. This is a flawless, totally immersive production that drops the theatergoer smack dab into the middle of what appears to be an actual functioning television studio. Although we know it’s fiction, we feel like we’re watching a real newscast being directed, produced and televised. Everything about this environmental production appears authentic, from the TV studio to the hard-driven people involved in the program, both behind and in front of the camera. 

When this story first hit the silver screen, it was considered outrageous and over-the-top. But think about it. In light of everything that we’ve experienced over the past two decades, particularly how reality TV and social media have consumed people’s lives, this play feels realistic and familiar. Lee Hall’s faithful adaptation of Paddy Chayefsky’s prediction of the future is now immediate and spot-on. No one in 1976 could’ve imagined that our beloved, trusted television stations would ever do simply anything, just for high ratings. Ha!       

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented August 13-September 29 by Invictus Theatre Company at Windy City Playhouse, 3014 W. Irving Park Road.

Tickets are available at the door or by going to www.invictustheatreco.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.