Review of Jerry & Tom by BACKSTAGE WEST - June 24, 2004

Under Dave Florek's direction, this seriocomic 16-scene extended one-act, following a pair of small-time contract killers, leaps to life in the hands of a highly talented trio of actors. Through a series of flashbacks we watch Tom (Dennis Cockrum), a veteran hit man, adopt and instruct Jerry (Bob Rusch) in the art of "problem disposal." Rick Cleveland's script cruises fairly effortlessly, suffering from only minor bumps as he tackles the occupational and personal pitfalls of his title characters.

Cockrum and Rusch have a rare chemistry that engenders genuine concern for these wiseguys despite their having whacked, onstage, no fewer than six different people. Each exhibits moments of doubt, conviction, confusion, and thoughtfulness toward each other and their loved ones. And yet, the business is still the business. The rugged-faced Cockrum is particularly engaging whether raising an eyebrow, twinkling an eye, or becoming instantaneously serious. Meanwhile, Rusch effectively makes the longest journey as he transitions from unsuspecting bystander to nervous first-timer to dangerous overconfidence.

And the subjects of their assignments? Chameleonic Eric Johnson, in a tour de force, winds up using more lives than the average cat. In one scene he's the boss, reputed to have taken out Elvis and both Kennedys, and two scenes later he's equally believable as a woman mistakenly killed in a motel room. Additionally, Johnson and his cast mates admirably execute their carefully choreographed scene changes.

Stage manager Tree Farnsworth provides a steady hand with countless sound and musical cues. One quibble, minor though it may be: As so many of the vignettes end in the requisite death of Johnson's character du jour, perhaps a lower light level for scene changes would make his numerous resurrections less jarring to the eye. In any case, with only three performances left, this exposé of the underworld is worthy of consideration.

Jerry and Tom," presented by Mike Greene, Daniel E. Parr, and the SkyPilot Theatre Company at the Whitmore-Lindley Theatre Center, 11006 Magnolia Blvd., N. Hollywood. Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 7 p.m. May 23-June 27. $12-15. (818) 209-8617.