By JESSICA NEU
Despite its reference to an old United States Marine Corps slogan, “A Few Good Men” ranks among the more recognizable monikers in the entertainment industry, even as a stand-alone title. Whether you are a die-hard fan of the 1992 film or can quote Jack Nicholson adamantly shouting, “You can’t handle the truth,” A Few Good Men has embedded itself into the modern cultural zeitgeist. The stage version is a high-octane, two-act play that demands stoic precision from its actors (and one epically strong actress) and takes audiences on a journey through moral integrity, patriotism, and personal conscience. Written by Aaron Sorkin and directed by J. Cody Spellman, Little Lake Theatre’s production is gripping and intense, moving at full throttle until the show’s final moments.
We meet Lt. Daniel Kaffee (Brian Ferris), a relatively inexperienced Navy JAG lawyer who finds himself ordered to defend two Marines accused of murdering a fellow private at Guantanamo Bay. The two Marines on trial are Private First-Class Louden Downey (Maddox Cannon) and Lance Corporal Harold Dawson (Andrew Hughes). Initially, the murder seems like an incident of hazing gone wrong. Still, the story quickly spirals into an intense military probe that challenges our notions of right vs. wrong, allegiance, and honor. Two other Navy Jag lawyers join Kaffee in defending the two young Marines. Lt. Sam Weinberg (Nick Grosso) and Lt. Commander Joanne Galloway (Elizabeth Glyptis) support Kaffee’s efforts to exonerate Downey and Dawson while trying to uncover what really happened on that ill-fated night. At the crux of information dissemination and gatekeeping is Lt. Colonel Nathan Jessep (Art Deconciliis). He is an arrogant, ruthless, power-hungry leader whose own definition of what is best for his infantry and the country occasionally contradicts our own moral code. Jessep’s approval and blind eye to the controversial “code red” hazing policy are at the center of the show’s plot and provide the main theme that calls into question one’s personal conscience.
The lawyers, Marines, and Jessep, along with a supporting cast worthy of the highest military honors, attack Sorkin’s witty, dialogue-driven script, packed with heavy military jargon, with unyielding valor. The cast allows the show’s comedic moments to linger for just a few seconds, enough for audience members to catch their breath amid the fast-paced action around them. As a result, the ensemble delivers performances layered with emotion without losing the professional stoicism demanded by the military. From the costumes (Alex Righetti) to the dialogue, for two and a half hours, these men and a woman are not actors; they are military officials. Captain Matthew Markinson (John Herrmann) encapsulates this nuanced, layered emotional intensity as he grapples with his own conscience, becoming one of the show’s key tragic figures. His final monologue will remain with you long after the soldiers march off the stage.
Despite the title’s recognizability, when considering the work as a whole, “a few good men” takes on a much more profound meaning than a reference to Jack Nicholson, Tom Cruise, or a famous movie line. What makes a man “good?” Who are the “few” “good” men in this show? Who are the victims? These questions could be undoubtedly debated (and have been) for years to come. But part of the experience of seeing A Few Good Men is being able to join this ongoing debate. Every character feels that they are one of the “few,” but are they? Does violence automatically prevent you from being regarded as “good”? Does prosecuting suspected murderers (Arjun Kumar) make you a “good” man?
Even in today’s social climate, wrought with political tension, A Few Good Men’s intense (and somewhat dense) plot transcends partisan politics. It focuses on patriotism, honor, and the discomforting decisions that members of the military face at the intersection of following orders, acceptable behavior, and being a “good” man. Little Lake Theater Company proves that they are more than capable of handling the relentless production of A Few Good Men. The ensemble proves it can handle the harsh reality of military life. As for whether you should go and see this production? I think you can handle the truth, too… don’t miss this gripping production that runs through July 12th , 2026.
TICKETS for Little Lake Theatre’s production of A Few Good Men are available at: https://us.patronbase.com/_LittleLakeTheatre/Productions/166/Performances
Categories: Arts and Ideas, Reviews
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