Ray Bradbury's "Fahrenheit 451" in Pasadena

"Fahrenheit 451" opened at the Fremont Centre Theatre in South Pasadena to a standing-room-only audience who remained utterly silent throughout the entire well-acted and thought-provoking play.

Author and playwright, Ray Bradbury was in attendance and opened the evening with a few humorous thoughts and expressions of gratitude. Then resident director Alan Neal Hubbs lit the "match" and the play began.

Books aflame! That´s what most people think of when they hear about "Fahrenheit 451," Ray Bradbury´s classic science fiction novel, play and soon to be movie. But the story is not about censorship; it´s about the stifling of thought, and the rebellious nature of some, who would be free at any cost.

Firemen in Bradbury´s futuristic world do not put out fires; they start them. They burn books and they punish anyone who would dare read them. In the guise of homeland security, the masses are denied individual liberties, and are instead spoon-fed a diet of clamorous, interactive reality shows beamed into their homes via huge TV walls.

A few brave souls rebel and read books regardless of the consequences. In response, the Fire Department develops a ferocious robot-hound (Baskerville) who searches out and destroys offenders.

Fireman Guy Montague (David Polcyn) finds himself drawn to the young, free-thinking Clarisse (Jessica D. Stone) and secretly joins the rebels, despite dire warnings from Captain Beatty (Michael Prichard) and fearful pleas from his wife (Meaghan Boeing).

When Clarisse disappears he fears the worse and abandons caution, reading books openly before his wife. Her response causes the Hound to be set loose in search of him. A surprising turn of events at the end makes one wonder if the original story has been changed… or if it´s our imagination.

In an ethereal epilogue, like-minded souls pass and greet each other by reciting famous authors, like Aristotle, Shakespeare, and Oscar Wilde. Then someone familiar arrives and begins reciting Poe.

Outstanding in the play are Michael Prichard´s exceptional soliloquy, the Firemen´s costumes/gear, and inclusion of actual flames, small though they were.

"Fahrenheit 451" plays Thursdays – Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 3 pm, now through May 24.

Admission is $20; seniors $15; and students $10. Call (323) 960-4451 for reservations.

The Fremont Centre Theatre is located at 1000 Fremont Ave (at El Centro) in South Pasadena. Abundant free parking is available behind the theatre.