Ravensridge
Ravensridge is based on a true event, only the names of (some) places and people have been changed. Written by T. S. Cook (The China Syndrome), it bespeaks of events, in some respects, relevant today.
According to Cook, the playwright began writing this play after learning about the strike at the Ravenswood Aluminum Plant in West Virginia. In his play Ravenswood becomes Ravensridge, West Virginia, the plant becomes a steel mill and the workers, steelworkers.
The reality was, in Ravenswood, the local union discovered that the mill was owned by Mark Rich, a top metals dealer and a fugitive from America living in Switzerland, and some union members decided to visit him in Switzerland to get him to negotiate. Only one person helped them, a Chief of Police. Cook found this an intriguing situation; thus we have his play Ravensridge, now playing at the Fremont Centre Theatre in South Pasadena.
It’s 1992. In Ravensridge, the steelworkers have been locked out of the steel mill their jobs given to scabs. Will Torrey (Vaughn Armstrong), a labor union officer and Lilly (Emily Adams), a union member, have come to Russia to find the real owner of the steel mill, Richard Miller (John Sklaroff), in an attempt to negotiate with him. Miller is the owner of the mill, a criminal and fugitive from America, protected by the richest men in Russia and, obviously, very elusive. While trying to make contact with Miller, a Russian security guard is killed accidentally and Torrey is accused of his murder. He is in a Moscow prison being questioned by Major Viktor Davidykov (Robert Trebor who performs his role with a flawless Russian accent). The Major can either find Torrey innocent of the crime or he can sentence him to as much as 30 years in prison in Russia. His fate is in the hands of this man. At last, Torrey comes face to face with Miller, who is brought in by the Major. He offers Torrey the opportunity of dealing
with him and being released, but in order for this to happen, Torrey would have to betray his union. This does not seem likely for an honest union man, but then his life is at stake. What will his final decision be and who will end up paying the price for all that has happened at Ravensridge?
Directed by James Reynolds, the talented cast also includes Dean Sponseller (Russian Prison Guard and FBI Agent) and Jed Reynolds (Police Guard Mikhail Tamarygen). The story is added to by Kim Story (Troubadour) as he sings of the tale accompanying himself on his guitar.
Sat. and Sun.at 8 p.m.
Sun. at 8 p.m. through March 30
Reservations: (866) 811-4111, online at www.theatermania.com
Fremont Centre Theater
1000 Fremont Avenue
South Pasadena