By Charlene Baldridge | SDUN Theater Critic 
Since the Greek and Roman times theater has been used to edify onlookers, to cause them to examine themselves and possibly, through introspection, to change their ways or at least to question contemporary practices and mores. Frequently this is accomplished by creation of characters to illuminate the issues.
Few succeed so well as Jonathan Caren in the world premiere of his three-man work titled “The Recommendation,” playing through Feb. 26 at The Old Globe.
The play concerns the friendship of two men, Iskinder (Brandon Gill) and Aaron (Evan Todd) who meet as freshmen roommates at Brown University. Iskinder is the son of an Ethiopian immigrant and aspires to study law. Aaron is the son of privilege and wealth and aspires to become a Hollywood film director.
Aaron teaches the naïve Iskinder the meaning of the word “recommendation,” showing him the ropes and helping him, upon graduation, to enter the law school of his choice, even though, as Iskinder points out, his own 4.0 GPA was part of the equation.
Enter the have not – not wealth, not privilege, not hope – a petty criminal named Dwight (Jimonn Cole). Even though Dwight is apparently on his way to bigger crimes, this audience member was sympathetic and hoped for Dwight’s redemption through a leg up, first offered by Aaron, whom Dwight saved from violence, and then by Iskinder.
Playwright Caren’s issues, which he addresses through juxtaposition of these three men and their interactions over 15 years, have to do with race, privilege, recommendations, education, loyalty, success, friendship and gamesmanship. Dwight is not the only “player” in the game of getting what you want.
Where most fall down – creation of believable characters to represent issues – Caren succeeds, partly through his writing and partly through wonderful acting, casting and directing. We care inordinately for all three of these men.
Todd is charming as the guy used to finagling what he wants. He imbues Aaron with vulnerability in the clinches, and beautifully and subtly conveys Aaron’s insecurities. Gill is totally convincing as the do-gooder convinced of his own sincerity, both in friendship and profession. Cole creates a complex character of many dimensions.
Though there are moments of humor and wit, make no mistake, this is not frivolous entertainment; it is brave and terrifying and sadly true. It is us.
The playwright never flinches from the realities of confrontation, cowardice, violence and possible mayhem, playing hopes against fears, ours and theirs, as he moves his characters toward the play’s hair-raising conclusion. Iskinder utters the last line, the lights go out, and meaning hangs in the air.
Caren receives brilliant assistance from director Jonathan Munby and the Old Globe’s artistic team: scenic designer Alexander Dodge, costume designer Linda Cho (love the suits and towels), lighting designer Philip S. Rosenberg, composer/sound designer Lindsay Jones, movement designer Tony Caligagan, and fight director George Yé.
“The Recommendation” continues Tuesdays-Sundays at the Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, Conrad Prebys Theatre Center through February 26. Tickets are $29 and up, www.theoldglobe.org or (619) 23-GLOBE.
