Playwright Kenneth Linn takes us on a journey behind the scenes of the bumpy road of politics. It probably tells us what we already know, but “Warrior Class” gives us a clear picture.
Director Leslie Martinson deftly uses the turns of the plot to keep the audience mentally alert.
Here we have Julius Lee (Pun Bandhu), a young, charismatic Assemblyman. He is a bright, good-looking Marine and war hero, who is married with children. Julius, with a Harvard education and of Chinese decent, has caught the attention of the Republicans, who feel he could run for Congress and take back a seat in the House of Representatives – which has long been held by Democrats – and he could be president.
They have his political advisor Nathan (Robert Sicular) check his past – where a broken romance and accusations of being mentally unstable become his undoing. Holly (Delia MacDougall), the former girlfriend, uses his indiscretions for her own goals.
The plot is predictable but well-handled. The story line could use more depth, but it does get its point across with a satisfying end.
For a taste of the way American politics sometimes works, “Warrior Class” is a well-done example.
Where: TheatreWorks, Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View
Through: Nov. 3
Details: theatreworks.org.
