By Charlotte K. Jarmy

David Allen, Special to the Town Crier

Theater review

TheatreWorks’ West Coast premiere of A.R. Gurney’s “Far East” is an entertaining and thoughtful drama.

Based somewhat on Gurney’s own life experience, it centers on the dramatic conflict between 1954 American values and those of Japan, where the play is set.

While there are allusions to Pearl Harbor, the stirrings of danger in Vietnam and the prejudice inherent in American attitudes toward our former enemy, “Far East” uses a well-worn plot concept. American lieutenant Sparky Watts (Darren Bridgett) falls in love with a Japanese girl (Carie Yonekawa in one of her many roles), whom he must leave because of strong disapproval by the U.S. military and his family. But this drama is far from “Madame Butterfly,” reaching out with great creativity in its lovely evocation of the art and culture of traditional Japan.

The set, mainly bare of nonessential furniture, is outstanding in its stylized simplicity, due to the genius of Mikiko Uesugi’s vision using the Noh tradition and Japanese art as backdrops. Talented Yonekawa is The Reader, who sits on her haunches to one side of the stage, actually voicing the words of minor characters and banging blocks of wood together to signal scene changes. In addition, there’s the dramatic pounding of Taiko drums as emotions and conflicts move the plot forward.

The actors did a fine job of showing the problems aroused when Sparky tries to bring his upper-class sense of personal independence to his life in postwar Japan. Sparky used his charm to get his commanding officer’s (Michael Keys Hall) permission to have a Japanese sweetheart, despite rules prohibiting it. The amusing Bridgett charmed the audience as well.

Hall gave a strong performance as Captain Anderson, who abides by military rules and has a strong love for his position in the Navy. Through his posture and strength, Hall came across as honest and likable, despite his initial toughness with Sparky. In fact, Bridgett’s contrast with his superior officer brought an interesting tension to their relationship. Bridgett, too, used his skill to reveal the basic kindness of this young man, who wants so much to understand both the beauty of his surroundings and the need to defer to military authority representing America.

Another fine performance came from Anderson’s attractive and assertive wife Julia (Julie Eccles), who struggles with her flirty desires to keep Sparky in line. There was strong sexual tension between the two, particularly when they danced.

A sub-plot with Sparky’s roommate develops with the discovery that ensign Bob Munger (Brian Gillespie) is in the closet and has mishandled secret documents, causing Sparky to make a choice between helping his friend and turning him in. Gillespie and Bridgett’s clash over their values showed the 1954 situation when homosexuality was derided in American society.

The ambivalent ending is a weakness in the playwright’s design; it’s too neat. However, “Far East” delights with humor and a fascinating glimpse into another culture.

“Far East” runs through April 8 at Lucie Stern Theater, Palo Alto. Tickets: 903-6000.