The cast of “Road Show,” at the Eureka Theatre in San Francisco through Jan. 19. Below, Addison (Bill Fahrner, left) is reluctant to let his brother (Rudy Guerrero as Wilson) use their successful gold claim as collateral for a bet.
Photos by David Wilson

By Elizabeth Warnimont
Special to The Herald

STEPHEN SONDHEIM AND JOHN WEIDMAN’S “ROAD SHOW,” a 2008 musical following two brothers on a series of money-making (or losing) schemes from Benicia to Broadway and around the globe, made its Bay Area premiere last weekend at the Eureka Theatre in San Francisco, and Actors’ Equity Association members Bill Fahrner and Rudy Guerrero are solid in the lead roles — in fact, all of the actors shine in this often silly but engaging production by Theatre Rhinoceros.

The story begins as Lansing Mizner (Kim Larsen as “Papa”) conveys his deathbed wishes to his two sons, Addison (Fahrner) and Wilson (Guerrero), while their mother (Kathryn Wood as “Mama”) looks on. Probably only a Benicia history enthusiast would be aware that this story actually begins in our fair city, where the senior Mizner had such notable influence in the latter 1800s. No explicit reference to Benicia is made in the play, but having even that small connection to an off-Broadway, Sondheim production is an honor worthy of mention.

The Mizner brothers are seen to be at odds from the start, as they discuss how they might go about honoring their father’s wish for them to seek their fortunes as he did, carving out their own road to success in the world. The fact that Lansing had originally come to Benicia in search of gold is another tidbit not included in the play, and that would have been relevant because Wilson gets so excited at the prospect (sorry) of staking a claim for gold in the Alaskan wilderness, the latest hot spot in the Gold Rush era.

The more conservative Addison is hesitant to go along at first, but after his brother suggests that he will take their mother with him instead, Addison relents and the two of them set out together for Yukon Territory.

It isn’t long before the brothers go their separate ways, each chasing the dream in his own way. “Willy” is the wily (and irresponsible) one, gambling his winnings away with abandon, but Addison takes risks too, and while his appear to be more reasonable business ventures, for a while he doesn’t fare much better than his brother.

In real life, Addison Mizner was known for having a huge role in developing the city of Boca Raton, Fla., a rich community that has prospered in the years hence. In “Road Show,” illustrations of his work are used to show some of the opulent custom homes he built there.

The play minimizes the scope of Addison’s accomplishments, though, focusing more on the later, shadier dealings he had with the city. That angle enables the playwright to reveal more of the man behind the plan, particularly as a brother and as his mother’s son.

A surprising twist toward the end brings the story of the two brothers full circle. It doesn’t conclude so abruptly as to leave audiences wondering what it was all about, but it does end with a powerful feeling of unfulfillment.

“Road Show” is a gritty, realistic picture of life, love and loyalty that ends as it began, with dreams yet unrealized. There is no happy ending. The impact lies in the audience response, when we’re left to ponder how the men’s lives might have turned out differently.

Go with a heart for the two lonely brothers striving to succeed, together or in spite of each other, and be surprised and amused at the enterprises that shape their journey.

If You Go
“Road Show” continues at the Eureka Theatre, 215 Jackson St., San Francisco through Jan. 19. Tickets are $15 to $30 and are available by calling 800-838-3006 or online at therhino.org.

Elizabeth Warnimont is a freelance writer specializing in the performing arts. She is also a substitute teacher for the Benicia Unified School District.

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