Even though one might like to see Gillespie introduce a little more shading and variation into his portrayal, it is refreshing to see an older character played by an older actor. It is understandable that university theatre productions must cast young performers in older parts, but too often our nascent professional companies also lack intergenerational participation. Marco Zaccagnini carries off the role of the cocky top salesman Richard Roma quite well, fully convincing us of his character's ability to sell through the force of his personality. And Paul Jagoda likewise gives a very strong performance as Roma's mark, the hen-pecked prospect, James Lingk. Matthew Forbes also shines as the office manager, the owners' agent in keeping the sales force hungry and on their toes, as does Stefan Mantyk as George Aaronow, the least confident and competent of the salesmen.
Marius Iliescu's otherwise decent performance as Moss, who is as cynical a salesman as Roma, but not nearly as effective, is marred somewhat by his rather incongruous pony tail. I can easily imagine an amateur actor balking at getting a major haircut for a role in a two-week run, but this isn't community theatre — theatre groups with artistic aspirations require professionalism. As Baylen, the police detective, Tonino Zaccagnini has a hurdle to overcome: Mamet has given us a character willing to take a lot more guff from characters such as Roma than any real detective would be likely to do. The only thing I can think of to remedy this flaw in the script itself is to come as close to exploding as the circumstances will allow, with the actor playing Roma visibly backing off when he see's he has just about gone too far.
Jagoda also deserves credit for his additional role as scenic designer, aided by Traci Jo Rizzo as properties director of this very good-looking production. But despite some quibbles, this is a promising first production from a group that hopes to do high-quality productions of some challenging plays in the months to come. "Glengarry Glen Ross" continues through June 12 at the Varner Studio Theatre in Varner Hall on the campus of Oakland University in Auburn Hills.
For performance and ticket information, call (586) 246-7546 or go to www.epicentertheatregroup.org.
