The Diviners

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The Diviners

The Production Company at the Chandler Studio Theatre

Reviewed by Les Spindle

March 17, 2010

This 1980 drama introduced the highly original voice of playwright Jim Leonard Jr. ("Battle Hymn'). His challenging works are driven by a distinctive style and an incisive view of the human condition. "The Diviners" is a lyrical fable set in bucolic America, a fascinating yarn that bristles with complex psychological undercurrents and a hint of Greek tragedy. Director TL Kolman achieves a breathtakingly atmospheric and poignant rendition, graced with a flawless ensemble cast.

In the fictional town of Zion during the Great Depression, a widowed farmer (Reed Armstrong) is raising his son Buddy (Rob Herring), whose brain was damaged at age 4 during a near drowning, in which his mother died trying to save him. The childlike and uncontrollable Buddy has a sweet spirit but is terrified of water, though ironically he has developed an uncanny ability to find water for his drought-besieged farm community. When a disillusioned preacher, C.C. Showers, who left his practice, comes to the farm seeking employment and food, a unique bond develops between the troubled but gifted Buddy and a man who represents salvation to the beleaguered townspeople. C.C. devotes himself to helping Buddy, and his efforts precipitate a startling chain of events.

Kolman fashions a triumphant recreation of time and place, convincingly conjuring the 1930s Dust Bowl milieu and the hopeful characters who inhabit the landscape, praying for better times. August Viverito's spare yet evocative scenic design beautifully serves the playwright's compelling depiction of malaise in Middle America, as do Ric Zimmerman's wonderfully textured lighting and the uncredited costumes.

Heading the marvelously calibrated ensemble effort is the shattering portrayal of Herring, whose shifting emotions encompass terror, naive wonderment, and despair—often in split-second transformations. He is masterfully complemented by the wisely down-to-earth approach Smith takes, showing the fallible humanity as well as the divine compassion of the former man of the cloth. Jennifer Lynn Davis is sublime as the Bible-thumping store proprietor, and Lauren Schneider brings a welcome sense of youthful optimism to the role of Buddy's sister. Armstrong is affecting as the loving patriarch. Excellent support is offered in other roles from Chris Blim, Alex Egan, Ferrell Marshall, and Reed Windle.

Presented by the Production Company at the Chandler Studio Theatre, 12443 Chandler Blvd., North Hollywood. Mar. 5-Apr. 10. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m. (800) 838-3006. www.theprodco.com.