FAHRENHEIT 451

by DICK KEREKES & LEISLA SANSOM
The newly formed 5 & Dime theatre group presented its first play in partnership with the Jacksonville Public Library at the downtown library Saturday September 24th. Ray Bradbury’s play adapted from his novel “Fahrenheit 451” concerned book burning, and this collaboration came about to draw attention to Banned Books Week, an annual event celebrating the freedom to read, with free access to information from all sources.
The auditorium, with four hundred seats, was packed to capacity at 2:00 pm and those that came saw a captivating version of this dynamic play.
This chilling story is about a totalitarian futuristic society that has banned all reading. That’s right, it’s illegal to read. And there’s really no need to read, since government authorities provide all the information needed through television programming. Firemen don’t extinguish fires; they spend their time looking for books, aided by digital mechanical hounds, which have the capacity to search tirelessly throughout the city. When they discover illicit holdings, the firemen light fires, laughing in self-congratulatory glee as the flames reach 451 degrees Fahrenheit – the temperature at which paper burns – and the books are consumed, keeping society safe from unsanctioned information.
Director Caryl Butterley’s direction and casting were outstanding, with Steve Anderson as Montag, a fireman and Eugene Lindsey as Beatty, the fire chief leading the way, in scenes that crackled with intensity when they were on-stage together. Other featured actors included Sara Antonio Murphy as Clarisse, Evelyn Peralta as Mildred; Isom Steve Philips was Professor Faber, Gayle Featheringill as Mrs. Hudson with Kelby Siddons as Helen and Michelle Ruiz as Alice.
Rounding out the cast were Brooks Studier, Derek Shults, Diego Aragona and Thomas Ross. Twelve well known local actors had cameo roles at the end as The Book People, societal outcasts who have found a way to preserve the works of cherished authors. In addition, another fourteen actors contributed the futuristic voiceovers.
Stage furnishings included a table and chairs, along with two versatile benches that were used as needed; for a sofa, bed, and other functional pieces. A large screen in the middle of the stage was used skillfully, among other things, for a street front, video fire effects, and a depiction of the sinister mechanical hound; the screen was raised and lowered as needed to supplement the action. The costumes, by Caryl Butterley added to the illusion of a future setting, with black for the firemen, while Mildred and her friends are in interesting patterned tops and skirts, with color added in bright leggings.
Fahrenheit 451 was well rehearsed, well acted and a noteworthy start for The 5 & Dime Theatre Company. The playbill was first class and even included photos of all the stage actors. Congratulations to 5 & Dime President Staci Cobb and all the board members. This looks like the start of something big!!! Want more information or want to get involved? Visit their website www.The5andDime.org. A Christmas project is planned, with more information coming soon.
One final note: We don’t burn books in 2011, but we do close libraries. The production was a timely reminder of the importance of libraries to the well being of today’s citizens.