Trumbo: Red, White & Blacklisted

Reviewed by Holly Bartges

“Are you a member of the Screen Actor’s Guild?” He didn’t want to answer the way they wanted. “Are you a member of the Communist Party?” Again, he wanted to answer in his own words.

Because he wouldn’t conform to their style, Dalton Trumbo, a master of the English Language, and an award-winning screenwriter, was one of the infamous Hollywood 10 blacklisted from 1947-1960. Blacklisted not because he was a member of the Communist Party, but because he refused to answer questions.

Jamie Horton as Dalton Trumbo and Chris Reid in a scene from Trumbo: Red, White & Blacklisted.

Curious Theatre Company opens its seventh season with the mind-boggling play Trumbo: Red, White and Blacklisted. Written by his son, Christopher, through reams of letters, the two-actor play delves into the heart and soul of the Colorado native and prolific screenwriter, Dalton Trumbo.

Trumbo had the gaul, the spit and vinegar to take on Congress and won.

Frightening because the sham happened here under our Red, White, and Blue, and it wasn’t that long ago. In light of the current political arena, Trumbo stands as a stark reminder of how fragile freedom really is.

Curious Theatre is one of the first in the country to produce the play, although it is now scheduled to open in several theatres across the country.

Four of Denver’s outstanding and favorite actors are slated to wear Trumbo’s mettle.

The Denver Center Theatre Company’s Jamie Horton takes him on through September 12. The Avenue Theatre’s John Ashton plays him September 16-26. Louis Schaefer, best known for Mr. Green at the Arvada Center’s Visiting Mr. Green plays him September 30-October 10, and Marcus Waterman who has appeared in several Denver area theatres, plays him October 14-23.

The most perplexing question will be which night to see which actor bring to life this complex inexhaustible not-toÑbe-daunted screenwriter. The obvious answer: see them all, if tickets can be procured. If this isn’t a sell-out it will be astonishing.

Christopher Reid, an associate company member of Curious, plays the varied role of Narrator, sometimes as the son, Christopher, sometimes as the moderator of the House Un-American Committee.

Peppered throughout is actual film coverage of what happened over 50 years ago.

Horton’s innate theatrical ability to bite his words brings the vociferous Trumbo letters to life, which in turn provides a cunning glimpse into Trumbo himself. With slick backed hair, Horton bears an eerie likeness to the feisty letter-writing master.

Fraught with the stunning reminder of man’s inhumanity to man, Trumbo’s letters reflects the striking affects of one family in the most personal way. Sometimes poignant, sometimes desperate, sometimes cunning, and sometimes outlandishly hysterical, Trumbo’s perceptive sense of humor remains in tact.

On opening night, Reid struggled with his lines only demonstrating what a professional actor he is by not calling attention to his faltering, allowing Horton to keep him focused.

With a stark striking set designed by Michael Duran, and lighting designed by Shannon McKinney, the stage reflects the hardness and coldness of the House Un-American Committee, while the actors warm to the fierce energy behind the Trumbo family. A letter Trumbo wrote to Christopher during his first year in college will cause tears to crinkle from its honesty and wild humor. Horton’s eyes twinkled in delight as he read it, as no doubt did Trumbo’s when he first penned it. Tears will take on a different meaning when Trumbo relates the ghastly horror his eldest daughter went through at school because her last name was Trumbo. Horton’s face reflected the pain and horror printed on the page before him.

Avoid sitting on the left side in front if possible. The podium partially covers the video screen blocking out tag lines of the who, what, and where. Not a major impact on the play, but a minor disconcertion. This is a play one wants to absorb everything there is. For those old enough to remember the events, it brings back memories. For those who weren’t yet here, it is an eye-opener of immense degree.

Trumbo might not be the man for all season, but this production certainly is the play for all seasons. Its timeliness overwhelms.

Co-Directed by Chip Walton and Christy Montour-Larson, this is a not-to-be-missed play no matter where you stand, how you stand, or even why. It speaks of a time we dare not forget no matter how red in the face the American eagle gets. It sent me out to find the book Dalton Trumbo by Bruce Cook. After the opening night performance, I wanted more.