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Schreiber super-charges 'Talk Radio'

By Matt Windman, amNewYork Theater Critic

March 12, 2007

"This country, where culture means pornography and slasher films, where ethics means pay-offs, graft and insider schemes this country is in deep trouble, this country is rotten to the core And somebody better do something about it."

So said Barry Champlain, the radio "shock jock" of Eric Bogosian's 1987 drama "Talk Radio."

Just as Howard Stern was beginning to rise to fame for his unorthodox manners on the airwaves, Bogosian attempted to paint a conflicted portrait of a controversial talk show host who just learned that his show is about to go national.

In Champlain's studio, we watch him perform while numerous individuals "call in" to the show, as performed by offstage actors.

Bogosian played Champlain in the original off-Broadway production at the Public Theater and again a 1988 film directed by Oliver Stone. In this revival, marking its Broadway premiere, the role has been passed on to Liev Schreiber.

What makes Schreiber the ideal candidate for the role is his characteristic intensity, which he brings to nearly every role he performs. Our fascination with radio personalities like Champlain is how they purposely defy societal norms by waging war on American politics and culture.

Robert Falls' production, his first in New York since the tepid "Frank's Home" at Playwrights Horizons, is sharp and lively.

Combining Bogosian's provocative script with a convincing performance by Schreiber, "Talk Radio" makes for undeniably enjoyable theater.

'Talk Radio' At Longacre Theatre, open run. Tue-Sat 8pm; Wed, Sat 2pm; Sun 3pm; $36.25-$96.25. 220 W 48th St, 212-239-6200