Kings Players stage a simple case of libel

Being embroiled in one’s own courtroom drama may not be something to look forward to — but there sure is something thoroughly entertaining about watching one unfold.

The Kings Players will capitalize on just that beginning tonight when they bring to life the characters in Henry Denker’s adaptation of a real-life trial, Reynolds v. Pegler.

The trial resulted in a landmark libel decision in 1955 after conservative columnist Westbrook Pegler personally attacked World War II reporter Quentin Reynolds and ultimately accused him of being involved in fraudulent war contracts. With the help of attorney, Louis Nizer, Reynolds was awarded a record judgment of $175,001.

The trial inspired the 1963 Broadway play “A Case of Libel,” which will now unfold on the stage of the Temple Theater.

In the adaptation by Denker, the names are all changed but the story is relatively the same.

It’s the early 1950s and the plaintiff, Dennis Corcoran, is a news correspondent who has performed heroically in World War II.

Corcoran, played by Sean Hopper of Hanford, is characterized as a drunkard and a communist sympathizer by ultraconservative columnist Boyd Bendix, played by Anthony “Doc” Andre of Lemoore. Corcoran brings a libel suit against Bendix, with the help of attorney Robert Sloane, played by Jeff Hall of Lemoore.

Under the direction of Tim Huntley, a cast of a dozen actors will bring their characters to life.

Huntley said he feels the production remains relevant nearly five decades later because technologies, like the Internet and text messaging, have facilitated the ability to spread messages virtually instantaneously.

“There are still miscommunications and people attack people when they don’t have the foundation,” he said.

The action takes place in an office and a courtroom where retired Kings County Superior Court Judge Ron Maciel will oversee the trial as he plays the presiding judge.

“It’s a lot better and easier doing it this way because you don’t have to worry about making the right decision,” Maciel said. “You just go along with the script.”

The actors playing the plaintiff, defense and witnesses won’t only be making their case in front of Maciel, they’ll also break the proverbial fourth wall and speak directly to the audience as if it were the jury.

As a courtroom drama, “A Case of Libel” has all the expected elements of a nervous but supportive wife, played by Corenn McDonald of Lemoore; a bright attorney and a heated cross-examination that provides the play with one of its most powerful moments.

Throughout the play there are times when the actors remain on stage, yet don’t have a line for 20 minutes, which Huntley said is a true sign of a good production.

“That’s the difference between the amateur and better productions,” he said. “The actors aren’t just acting but they listen, act and react.”

The reporter can be reached at 583-2427.

(Oct. 30, 2009)