Gaps Turn Play Into a MishMASH

NEWPORT BEACH —  Coastline Community College’s decision to stage “MASH,” Richard Hooker’s problematic play, deserves a medal of valor.

However, director Robert Michael Conrad opts for an ironic, Hawkeye-as-Othello interpretation. As a result, even though this production’s Trapper John, Painless Pole and Duke resemble their counterparts in Robert Altman’s well-known film of “MASH” (and though this Hawkeye has the same patented Groucho shuffle we know from Alan Alda’s portrayal in the TV series), this staging grates with what we already know about these characters.

Other problems abound: An early scene between Frank and Hot Lips creates sparks, but then, mysteriously, there is no further intimation of ardor. Later, Frank suffers a nervous breakdown--inexplicably. These are just two of too many unaccountable gaps in the story line. Plus, the production never manages to evoke any sense--crucial to the action--that there’s a war going on around these people.

‘MASH’

A Coastline Community College production of the play by Richard Hooker. Directed by Robert Michael Conrad. With Marshall E. Papke, Neil Korlekar, Flint Morrison, Suzanne Doss, Chris Fields, John Canfield, Tricia Dudney, David Jeffers, Louis E. Kiger, Lorin Smith, Evan T. Henerson, David A. Nelson, Kathleen Rockney and Dave Tubbs. Technical Director, Tom Kline. Set Designer, Jim Cline. Plays Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. at Corona del Mar High School Theater, 2101 Eastbluff Drive, Newport Beach. Tickets: $6 and $7. (714) 751-9740.