Playwright John Patrick mixes a southern American with a Brit, an Aussie, a Kiwi, a Scot and a non-English-speaking African in The Hasty Heart, which takes place in the convalescent ward of a temporary British hospital in Southeast Asia. The effect is a seriocomic, sometimes deep look at culture and class. Scot Lachie, played effectively by Richard Baird, has been shot in the kidney and has nothing but borrowed time on the remaining kidney. Lachie carries a chip on his shoulder the size of Scotland and an uncompromising disposition that does not allow for easy friendships.
Baird's performance powerfully rules the stage. His transitions are dramatic and convincing as he turns his totally unlovable character into one who can accept and understand compassion. Keith Letl's Yank is a southern American, whose role is to keep the diverse Queen's Army from an intermural war. Like Baird, Letl has several effective transitions throughout the play, which he handles with aplomb. The Britannia fighters are well cast with Jerry Young as Digger, an Aussie with an attitude; Don Perez as Kiwi, a New Zealander shot in the arm; and Tommy, a Brit who is an expert malingerer. They are a convincing ensemble who balance their characters' antagonisms and humor with professional skill.
One of the more difficult roles is Blossom, an African native with no English skills. Talmadge Melton's performance steals scenes as he communicates with his body language.
