SCR does the math on prize-winning ‘proof’

Tom Titus

Back when South Coast Repertory was in its infancy, Richard Doyle

was among the young, dynamic company of actors that exuded artistic

energy by the bushel.

Today, nearly 40 years later, Doyle remains one of the linchpins

of SCR’s acting troupe, but now he specializes in parts written for

more mature performers, such as the mathematical genius flirting with

senility in David Auburn’s “Proof,” which opens on the Segerstrom

Stage this weekend.

Doyle will be seen as Robert, a brilliant theorist until the age

of 25 who now suffers spells of intermittent derangement, alternating

with moments of stunning lucidity. His condition prompts his daughter

to drop out of college to care for him.

“It’s an interesting matrix to put a story that’s [for me] about

the love of a father for his daughter in juxtaposition with the

artifice of a play that is about a mathematician and his loss of

ability,” Doyle commented. “He is coping with the loss at an early

age of original, creative thought as he tries to still inspire his

daughter to her own level of creativity.”

“Proof” earned playwright Auburn the 2001 Pulitzer Prize and Tony

Award in its original Broadway production. The SCR rendition is being

directed by Michael Bloom with Emily Bergl, Christina Haag and James

Waterston joining Doyle in the cast.

Doyle had little trouble relating his character’s situation to his

own, even though the actor’s artistic vitality remains as vibrant as

ever.

“There are resonances with their relationship and mine with my

daughter, Sarah, who is interested in the arts,” he observed.

“I remember recently telling someone how I wanted to stay active

and dynamic so I could help her,” he noted. “I think that’s some of

Robert’s sincere wishes. It’s selfless, but he wants to work with her

gifts and, at the same time, he wants to be charged with that

original excitement he used to feel and that his younger students

feel now.”

In “Proof,” the conflict arises between the caring daughter

(Bergl) and her older sister (Haag). Waterston portrays a former

student who visits the family home and uncovers a breakthrough

mathematical proof among Robert’s papers.

“The literature of the piece makes it very interesting, and

director Michael Bloom has made the process fun,” Doyle declared.

“And with Emily Bergl and Christina Haag as my daughters -- both of

whom I’ve worked with before -- we fit together as a family really

well. And James Waterston is a great addition to the group.”

Bergl will be remembered by SCR patrons as the captive bride in

Moliere’s “The School for Wives,” while Haag was featured in “Amy’s

View.” Waterston is making his debut with the Costa Mesa company, and

director Bloom staged SCR’s productions of “Sight Unseen” and “Let’s

Play Two.”

As for Doyle, his resume at SCR from 1965 on would fill several

columns. Among the highlights: “Volpone,” “Candida,” “The Tavern,”

“Mixed Singles,” “BAFO” and a brilliant turn in “Playland.” Movie

fans watched him talk Harrison Ford to safety in “Air Force One.”

* TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Daily Pilot. His

reviews appear Thursdays and Saturdays.