THEATER ONLINE
Review by Diana Calderazzo (June 16, 2010)

Richard Dresser's 2006 play, Rounding Third, is the perfect piece for Father's Day, examining two dads whose opposing life philosophies result in continuing conflict as they share the job of coaching their sons' little league team. But as baseball season marches on, both men find they have much to learn about each other, about their sons, and ultimately, about themselves...

...In the production at the Roy Arias theatre on 43rd and 8th, Chris Bucci is the energetic and traditional-minded Coach Don, who counts on his boys to win and his wife to concoct the best game-day snacks. He finds his approach challenged, however, by Greg Hill's Coach Mike, who seeks to teach the boys that the real fun lies in being a team and playing the game itself, regardless of victory or defeat. As Coach Don unveils and further develops a hidden sensitivity to the kids' emotional needs, Coach Mike learns the glory of victory on the field and in life. Bucci stands out as the stronger of the two actors, more physically and vocally versatile; yet Hill relaxes into a few quite effective moments as the more reserved, but no less passionate, Coach Mike.

Both actors passionately engage with the piece, clearly committed with heart and soul...the play is strong and the production worth seeing...






Click to enlarge production photos

        Coach Don and Coach Mike...
top of the first inning...



















...Coach Don and Coach Mike
...bottom of the first inning.