Before the Lyric Stage Company's performance of "Speech and Debate" begins, the set's industrial tiled floors, dry-erase board and posters of graphs and projects are enough to send a riveting chill of high school nostalgia down the spines of college students. Like the stage's realistic set, the production does not attempt to withhold any truths of high school life, accurately depicting both the brutal realizations and complicated relationships of its students.
Within the institutionalized walls of a conservative high school in Salem, Ore., the problems of teenaged students trying to assert their identities are magnified. Through the obstacles, breakdowns and relationships of three students, this production seeks to expose the topics that make the adult world uncomfortable.
Alex Wise plays Solomon, a misfit kid desperate to find a place for himself as a journalist. After the school board repeatedly rejects his articles, Solomon sets out on a mission to expose one of the high school teachers' sexual relationships with students. His efforts lead him to the dynamic Diwata (played by Rachael Hunt), who is repeatedly rejected for a role in the school musical, and Howie (Chris Conner), the new kid who can't find an advisor for the Gay-Straight Alliance.
Together, the trio starts a speech and debate club to further their own personal interests, and along the way, the three find that they are all fighting the same problem: the hypocrisy of the adult community. An unforgettable relationship, more complicated than friendship, forms among the three characters and ultimately unleashes the power of their unified voice.
From its opening scene, the play examines technology and its problems. The show brings to life computer screens and instant-message conversations by projecting them on the set's dry-erase board. This creates the impression that society's machinery is inescapable and gives the audience a discomforting sense of proximity to an individual's personal space in the electronic world. Laptops act as an important mode of communication between the characters, allowing them to both enter and avoid the adult world. The symbolism of the internet is prevalent throughout the show, and it makes a mockery of adult attempts to hide truths from teenagers.
One of the show's standouts is Hunt's incredible performance as Diwata. Hunt's monologues as Diwata making recordings for her blog are instantly captivating, allowing for laugh-out-loud moments while also introducing the dark topic of a teacher's inappropriate relationship. Hunt's characterization of Diwata includes the personality traits of a dramatic, lonely high school girl in contemporary society who enjoys the attention she gets online without reducing the role to a stereotype. Hunt does a good job with her character's transformation as well, emphasizing her strength and the perseverance of her enthusiasm for life despite her abortion and failure as an actress. The character Diwata remains interesting and remarkable, even when her sometimes ridiculous behavior frustrates her companions.
Despite Hunt's performance and the relevance of the show's themes, the production lacks originality and falls into the well-known category of a high school drama about students struggling with conventions and hoping to find themselves. A couple of clever jokes are worth remembering and will evoke a loud response from the audience; however, the script as a whole isn't very interesting.
"Speech and Debate" by Stephen Karam and directed by Jeremy Johnson is playing at the Lyric Stage Company through April 25. There are both afternoon and evening performances with tickets priced from $25 to $50. Student discounts are also available. Tickets are available at the Lyric Stage's box office or online at LyricStage.com.
