'Clarence Darrow' profiles feats of famed historian One-man show covers 50-year period

By STEVEN SNYDER - TimeOut Movie Critic	October 19, 2009

Clarence Darrow was a talented lawyer and champion of human rights. In his lengthy career he fought for labor unions, human rights for the oppressed and the abolition of the death penalty. He is best known for his defense of Scopes in the famous evolution trial and for Leopold and Loeb in their murder of Bobby Franks. His life and work is disclosed and celebrated in the current offering at the Boulevard Theater – "Clarence Darrow" – a oneman show that is both historical and evocative, one that dramatizes many lesserknown cases. David Ferrie, an actor with a host of credits in many area theaters, engages us for two hours with Darrow’s personal and professional biography. If you can focus on probing into a man’s philosophy and actions over a 50-year period, you will enjoy this play. But if you need a lot of action and suspense and humor, you likely won’t, though there is certainly wit and memorable one-liners in Darrow’s repertoire. Darrow was the child of two rather avant-garde parents. His father fought for abolition and his mother for female suffrage. Because of their influence and his own curiosity to learn and discourse about ideas, he was drawn to the lawyer’s profession. Born in 1857, he was privy to the abuses afflicted on workers in factories, mines and railroads, which led him to fight for workers’ rights as unions began to gain stature. He also fought for children’s rights and for the eight-hour workday. David Ferrie captures the humility and passion of the man. We grow to like and admire Darrow through his elucidating portrait. At times he just talks to us; other times he re-enacts a trial. Sometimes he engages in conversation with another unseen character. He moves about the stage with ease and seems very engaged in his narrative, reliving the past and showing the marks of aging as he goes along. His agnostic leanings, his attitude toward formal religion, his tolerance toward diversity, and his strong sense of justice are all revealed. We admire his ability to learn as he journeys through life, aware always that change is resisted and those who attempt to bring it about will often be vilified. The drama makes one realize how the "voice in the wilderness" is often not heralded immediately, but over time might have made a difference. It’s funny how the evolution-creationism debate is back in the forefront, and the issue of racism is still relevant. Even the attitude toward unions and their place in the workplace is forever being questioned. The use of lighting is the only minor flaw in the show. Changing the intensity of the light as a transitional device was effective, but there were times when the meaning behind light changes was ambiguous. The set design was effective for variety. Directed by Jaime Jastrub, the play speaks to us and makes us ponder not only the man, but the evolution of ideas and policies as signs of progress or retrogression. What would Darrow have to say if he were living in our time? What causes would he be engaged in defending? Call (414) 744-5757 for times and tickets. The show runs through Nov. 1.