Ray Bradbury returned to his classic novel Fahrenheit 451 years after its 1953 publication to create a dramatic version of the dystopian tale. In his play, Bradbury kept many of the same characters but altered some of the plot points of the novel. Most notably, the production’s resolution has a somewhat brighter outlook than the novel’s last pages.
Guy Montag (Ryan St. Martin) is still the protagonist of the story, and just like the character in the novel, he is a fireman whose job it is to burn books. And just like that literary character, his soul is saved by his free spirited neighbor Clarisse (Camissa Hensel).
The biggest change in the play version is the enhanced character of Captain Beatty (Paul Gliarmis), the conflicted head of the futuristic fire department. The play allows Beatty to make a strong case for his rage against the written word. The menacing mechanical Hound from the novel is aboard for some spooky shenanigans as well.
Though the script is somewhat overburdened with some awfully talky exchanges, Bradbury’s strong voice keeps things interesting right to the final curtain.
Fahrenheit 451 runs through October 30 at the Wade James Theater, 950 Main St, Edmonds. To purchase tickets go to www.edmondsdriftwoodplayers.org or call 425-774-9600.