reviewed by Ken Klingenmeier

Actors Theatre of Indiana presents Lombardi by Eric Simonson, a bioplay about, of course, Vince Lombardi – the man considered by many to be the greatest coach in the history of the NFL. Directed by Jane Unger (who led the inspiring Alabama Story at ATI in 2019) the play relates the experiences of a young journalist who comes to Green Bay for a week in November 1965 to observe the coach and “to find out what makes Lombardi win”.

Don Farrell as Vince Lombardi in ATI’s production of “Lombardi”

Through the writer, we see Lombardi the coach and the man. The script is a celebration of his methods – coarse as they sometimes are – by which he mentors, threatens, and cajoles his players – whipping them in a team that will not accept defeat, nor celebrate victory foolishly. There is always the next challenge – “we are not finished!”

Don Farrell presents a complete characterization as the coach. He takes the Lombardi role and absolutely charges through it. Farrell shows us all aspects of the man – his anger, impatience, focus on victory, his vision about his men and the game they played, his innovative mind. Judy Fitzgerald shines as Lombardi’s supportive wife, Marie. Under Ms. Fitzgerald’s hand, the much put upon lady is a caring, yet strong partner for the often eruptive coach. Speaking in a nicely precise and refined Jersey accent, we see the woman that Lombardi no doubt needed to help him accomplish what he did.

Coach Lombardi (Don Farrell) meets with his players – Jim Taylor (Mat Leonard), Paul Hornung (Christian Condra) and Dave Robinson (Joel Ashur)

Adam LaSalle, who wowed us in Murder for Two (2020) takes the journalist role as one Michael McCormick. His is the glue character, the narration giver, and LaSalle does fine work with it. The cast is completed by three Packer players, Joel Ashur as Dave Robinson, Christian Condra as Paul Hornung, and Mat Leonard as Jim Taylor.

Journalist Michael McCormick (Adam LaSalle) speaks with Paul Hornung (Christian Condra) in ATI’s production of “Lombardi”

These combined forces give the audience a very entertaining evening. Ms. Unger’s direction is crisp and certain, making the most of the Simonson script. Bernie Killian’s set design fills the bill, and I enjoyed the widened stage a great deal. The sound design by Barry G. Funderburg is sharp, but subtle where it needs to be. Finally, costume designs by Kathryn Rohe are spot on, including some very exceptional work with the Packer uniforms.

Bottomline: Lombardi is not a play that enriches so much as entertains. There is no life-changing moral lesson offered, no sweet romance to dampen the eyes, no deep conflict and resolution to ride through. It is a commemoration of a great coach – a man who changed the game of football. It is a reminder that we can accomplish things that seem a bit out of our reach, if only we are inspired to try.

Lombardi continues at ATI’s Studio Theatre in the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel through November 21st. You can get information about the schedule and tickets by calling 317.843.3800 or by logging on at http://www.atistage.org .

  • – photos by Zach Rosing