Spuds and Huey: Stange Bedfellows?
By Morgan Molthrop
If you don’t listen to WWL talk radio, you might be able to arrive at the recent production of The Kingfish without preconceived ideas about the one-man show’s actor, John “Spud” McConnell. Not all of WWL’s programming leans right – certainly Garland Robinnette is a refreshing voice of moderation and an asset to the local community. “Talk Gumbo” or “The Spud Show,” however, is an example of opinion-based “entertainment” directed to an audience that tends to be enamored by the host’s local celebrity and black and white thinking. Spud comes to his shows with his mind made up and most of his “good old boy” callers follow suit. This is, perhaps, more of a reflection of a radio station’s desire to reflect a local conservative reality. You can’t blame Spud for being Spud.
It is, then, interesting – to say the least – that Mr. McConnell portrays America’s leading populist of Depression-Era politics, Huey Long. Especially since the question the play addresses is whether large populist programs (of the ilk currently being proposed) directed at improving the lives of “regular people” (for instance, health care reform, which Mr. McConnell seems to frequently oppose) might lead to socialistic tyranny.
With my own baggage well packed, I entered the Orpheum Room of the Roosevelt Hotel last night and wondered how this all might unfold. Truth is: just because you may not believe in someone’s politics or thinking does not detract from their viability as an artist. And Mr. McConnell is an artist first.
If you have not had the chance to see his enormity on stage – for two hours, I might ad – go. Louisiana residents should be required to attend. Not only is the performance a grueling physical challenge – Long’s large air fist gestures used to send crowds into a frenzy – it is a delight to see Mr. McConnell virtually channeling the Governor.
Karissa Kary, the energetic, young producer, tells me that the fate of the show is certain: it will go on. However, the exact location of the next round of performances has yet to be determined. For more information, check out www.bayouplayhouse.com.
October 18th, 2009
Topic: Green Room, Green Street, Live Green Picks Tags: Huey P. Long, The Kingfish
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