Red River Rats

The Red River in North Vietnam was a brutal battleground for the American Air Force fighter pilots portrayed in Paul Gillette’s Red River Rats. Even though the war is long over, the pleasure and the pain of combat still lingers in the minds of these middle aged veterans, who live each day with the memory of their harrowing experiences. Gillette in fact based his stage drama on actual testimonies from soldiers, and the world premier of this work at the Burbage Theater also features several real-life vets in the cast.

Gathering at a rented lodge for one of their annual reunions, this year’s get-together is attended by most of the regulars. Called by their well-earned nicknames – Irish (Jack Nance), Woo Woo (Tom Wideline), Big D (Thom McFadden), Chucker (Julius Harris), Straussberger (S.A. Griffin), Easy Ed (Bryan Kent) and Jungle (Jack Scalia) – the flyboys are still friendly, feisty and foul-mouthed around each other. Back in their element amid the booze and broads waiting at the lodge, the guys nosedive right into all their old juvenile antics and antagonizing.

Only one member of the elite corps who survived is missing after action – Raise-the-Flag Flanagan (Bert Kramer), who lost his status with the group when he purportedly handed over the company’s lost member, Eddie Morales, to the enemy. Flanagan’s new derogatory nickname is indicative of the group’s loss of respect for this "traitor," but their spite and contempt really surface when Jungle invites Flanagan to the party. Before the night is over, recriminations and accusations lead to revelation and ultimately, recompense....

The ensemble of elite pilots is peopled with an equally elite group of actors, led by Scalia, who motors the play with unbridled energy, go-get-‘um bravado and an unfailing sense of conviction. In addition to the other memorable male counterparts, the play also nicely characterizes two young prostitutes working the party, and actresses Catherine Case and Judi Diamond bring some unexpected sympathy to their roles.

On the technical front, Brad Morris makes the most of the space with his set decoration, aided by consultant Melody LaVigna, and Ivan Spiegel lights the action effectively.

Although there is a worthwhile history lesson to be learned from this play, the stark material is not suitable for young viewers. But for those who were directly or indirectly affected by the Vietnam War – including the BRAVO organization, who recently gave this stage effort and its author a special commendation – Red River Rats is an insightful look back at a senseless hour of humanity.

Elias Stimac
Drama-Logue
Theater Reviews
June 9 – 15, 1994

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