by Sharon Carroll

The 1965 Pulitzer Prize winning play, The Subject Was Roses by Frank Gilroy opens tonight at 7:30 at Kaleidoscope Theatre with an experienced ensemble cast of three.

"The Subject Was Roses presents the classic triangle of villain, victim and victor," co-director Inia Jean Plumb said. Marty Hendrickson plays Timmy Cleary, the role that launched the career of Martin Sheen. Hendrickson saw a production of the play in the 1970's. He has been hoping for an opportunity to do the show himself ever since. "It is such a powerful show," he said. "It's about a family who holds everything inside."

The play is set in 1947 when Timmy returns from the war. "The name 'Timmy' is a reflection of his character," said Hendrickson. "He grew up a sickly momma's boy and his parents were amazed that he lived through the war." But Timmy comes back a man, and his return proves to be life altering for each of the characters. Unspoken truths are brought to light such as his father's womanizing and his mother's depression and repressed hostility. "Sad families are the ones that the word 'love' is never used in," Hendrickson said. "Maybe that's what causes dysfunctional families - the lack of communication."

Timmy's mother, Nettie is played by Kaleidoscope newcomer, Pamela Garmon. Mike Stone plays John, an Irishman in the coffee business that was "quite a fellow when he was younger and then the crash of '29 hit." John Cleary never recovered. He didn't make it big in the coffee business and he grew very bitter over the years. Stone has really enjoyed the rehearsal period for "Roses" as well as working with his co-stars. "Pamela has done a lot of work in television and movies over the years. It was a real learning experience to see how she approaches things." Garmon's credits include appearances on the television drama, In the Heat of the Night and a role in the film, Dead Man Walking.

Assistant director, Tracy Hoffert has learned a lot about what it was like for women in the 1940's. "Nettie spends her whole life in the kitchen without all of the luxuries we have today. It is unbelievable the amount of work that was required of her and you can see how that affects her relationship with her husband." Hoffert pointed out that back then it was customary for the man to be served first at the dinner table, then any other male members of the family, and finally the women. Plumb added, "Until the war ended, food and gas were rationed and blackout curtains were used on windows for air raids." It was a very different time for Americans, but audience members will be able to relate to the struggle that this family goes through while dealing with years of built up frustration. "A man survives a war and comes home to one. Domestic battles can be as debilitating as global conflict," said Plumb.

The unique period set was designed by Charlie Wilson and Bunnie Hibbard. Hendrickson wears an authentic World War II military uniform. "Even my socks are period," he said, "they're fifty year old socks." But the subject matter is certainly timeless. The story that won two academy awards almost forty years ago is very relevant today. Hendrickson hopes that audience members will "take a look at their own families and figure out if there are things that should be said to their children, husbands or wives." The good news is, although The Subject Was Roses contains heavy drama, things are resolved in the end. "So people need to come to find out why the subject was roses," Hendrickson concluded.

The play opens tonight and can also be seen at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 3, 9, 10, 16 & 17 or at 2:00 p.m. Nov. 4, 11 & 18 at Kaleidoscope Theatre, 205 E. 24th St., 1/2 block from the Lynn Haven Post Office. Call 265-3226 for reservations.