Passions of ‘50s Era Strike a Chord in ‘Songs’

The 1962 reunion of the once-popular Calendars, a Weavers-like folk trio sundered by the anti-communist hysteria of the 1950s, is a tense one. Fervent political and social activist Fred and his loyal wife, Kathy, haven’t seen estranged partner Curly since the pair’s blacklisting by the House Un-American Activities Committee.

They’ve met in a New York City rehearsal room to prepare for a three-song Calendars spot on Curly’s national TV show--if they can agree on the songs.

The Fremont Centre Theatre is celebrating its fifth anniversary season with a reprise of its 1997 inaugural hit, William Mesnik’s “Three Songs,” and what could be a dusty, albeit tuneful, history lesson has even deeper resonance with today’s debate over national security measures.

Seamlessly staged by original director Michael Canavan, Mesnik’s drama is infused with passionate immediacy by actors Stephen Rockwell, Jennifer Hetrick and Kim Story, who sing with stirring conviction; Story and Rockwell also provide deft acoustic accompaniment on guitar, banjo and harmonica. (Mesnik, who serves as musical director, was the original Fred. He will reprise his role this weekend and on Aug. 9 and 10.)

Musical integrity is vital: It is the 10 folk songs--workers’ anthems, a bawdy ballad, hymns, laments, a breathtaking a cappella rendition of “Shenandoah”--that reveal each sharply defined character’s past and present, and the love, passion, anger and regret that connect and separate them.

Uncompromising Fred (Rockwell) pushes for hard-hitting protest songs. His stiff-necked zealousness, rooted in hard truths, defies easy sympathy, even as Rockwell offers subtle glimpses of the softer, less driven man Fred can’t afford to be.

Hetrick’s poignant Kathy, still committed to the struggle but weary of the hard life, is eager for the opportunity to recapture old times, avoid conflict and reclaim the spotlight. Curly (Story), who avoided the HUAC censure that kept his former partners scraping for gigs by parlaying good ol’ boy charm and a willingness to please into big-money success, wants to keep things light and fun.

As Curly draws Fred into a mournful miners’ lament from their early days together, however, it is Story, revealing the grief beneath Curly’s down-home affability, who reveals most achingly the high price for choices made.

Richard Spaulding’s fine sound design and Carol Doehring’s expressive lighting enhance the production; Lois Tedrow’s costumes and Evan Bartoletti’s full set, a much-used rehearsal room, add to the authenticity.

“Three Songs,” Fremont Centre Theatre, 1000 Fremont Ave., South Pasadena. Fridays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 3 p.m. Ends Sept. 1. $18. (626) 441-5977. Running time: 90 minutes.