By Jamie Corpuz
Western Sun managing editor
“Proof.” It made me laugh and cry. It tugged at my heartstrings, and made me laugh honestly and awkwardly at those moments that deep down I knew I could relate to.
Directed by Golden West College instructor Tom Amen, “Proof” has some heavy subject matter, but is delivered in a youthful and fresh manner that will keep you engaged and entertained.
Julie Patzer plays Catherine who is the daughter of Robert (Michael Bielitz) a mathematical genius who revolutionized his field twice by the time he was 25.
Catherine had spent the last several years tending to her father’s needs as he slipped into senility and struggles with her own fears that she may have inherited his graphomaniac disorder as well as his mathematical brilliance.
Upon his death one of his former students Hal Dobbs, played by Sean Coutu, takes on the responsiblity of sorting through his notebooks for signs of mathematical clarity. In his time at the house he bonds with Catherine and fall in love with her.
Claire, Catherine’s overbearing and impertinent sister, flies in from New York and begins to reinforce Catherine’s worry that she might be crazy.
“The play is good because it hits close to home, it’s simple, and without elaborate crazy over the top twists,” said Rob Ferreras, a student here at Golden West.
The beauty of this play lies in the internal battle of the characters to discern what they believe and each character must rely on their inner strengths to get them through life.
To truly move an audience with such an internally driven performance takes a lot of talent and these actor prove just that. They played their characters as though they had lived their lives.
Julie Patzer, brought me to tears with her tears as she delved into her character’s psyche. Her intonation and facial expressions make you believe she really is trying to cope with her depression.
Sean Coutou, who played Hal Dobbs, really made me feel for him and root for his character. His sincere and passionate portrayal of a man desperately in love and torn by doubt made me want to yell up to Catherine, “Give him a break, he means well!”
If you’re a fan of “Good Will Hunting” go see GWC’s performance of David Auburn’s “Proof.” It’s elegant and moving performance will exercise your heart and soul. Tickets are $10 for students and $12 for general audience and can be purchased at gwctheatre.com or you can call 714-895-8150. “Proof” runs at the Mainstage Theatre until Sunday.
