Review: A Few Good Men
Picture: The courtroom Image credit Stephen Henry (NOT a Creative Futures Photography image)
A Few Good Men is a clever courtroom drama that explores issues of justice, truth, honour, loyalty, courage, and the abuse of power. The plot centres on the death of Pfc. William T. Santiago (Sami Afuni), and subsequent investigation and trial of two fellow marines, Pfc. Louden Downey (Reagan Mannix) and Lance Cpl. Harold W. Dawson (Jack Mahoney). The story has several twists and turns, some of which are presented as flashbacks, and the second half of the show is set mainly in the courtroom of Capt. Julius Alexander Randolph (the excellent Jimi Bani).
Aaron Sorkin’s 1980s play is an incredible piece of writing; a story that draws on real events, and is as timely now as it was at the end of the last century. Sorkin adapted the play for the 1992 film of the same name, which starred Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, and Demi Moore. Whether you are familiar with the film or have yet to track it down, go and see this production of you can. Fabulous direction, great casting, and an excellent team of creatives that makes this the must see show of the year—or possibly the Queensland Theatre Company (QTC) production of the decade.
I have often reflected on the challenges of placing shows on the sizeable QPAC Playhouse stage. But, in A Few Good Men, Director Daniel Evans has worked a magical transformation, creating a show that is both epic and intimate, and which emphasises the light and shade of the story. Simone Romaniuk’s set and costume design is an important and memorable aspect of the experience. With full steps into the front of the stalls, cast members often walk down to the level of the audience, where those of us lucky enough to be seated in the stalls felt that we were sitting directly behind the second act prosecutors and defence. In the first act, much of the switching between locations is cleverly achieved through lighting changes—where the white beams establishing small cells and interview rooms were particularly effective (Ben Hughes, Lighting Designer). And, in the second act, the court-martial judge is seated at a towering bench, in front of powerful black and gold pillars.
Composer and Sound Designer Mike Willmett’s work really enhances this QTC production of A Few Good Men—with great scene-setting choices of music, as the audience enters the Playhouse, and an ominous building of tension during Lt. j.g. Daniel A. Kaffee’s (George Pullar) memorable cross-examination of the manipulative and controlling Lt. Col. Nathan Jessep (Hayden Spencer).
Picture: Image credit Stephen Henry (NOT a Creative Futures Photography image)
Evans has attracted a strong cast for this QTC production. Spencer and Pullar are excellent in the roles of the menacingly powerful Guantanamo commander and of his cheeky young lawyer nemesis. Doron Chester (Lt. j.g. Sam Weinberg), and Courtney Cavallaro (Lt. Cmdr. Joanne Galloway), make the most of their roles as Kafffe’s defence team, and Jack Bannister (Lt. Jack Ross / Cpl. Hammaker) is a great choice for the role of lead prosecutor. Hugh Parker (Capt. Matthew A. Markinson) gives a subtle portrayal of the talented but tragic Captain Markinson, where the gasps of the audience as Markinson raises his pistol are a testament to Parker’s acting skills. Jeremiah Wray (Lt. Jonathan James Kendrick/Lawyer) gives us a disconcerting—and occasionally darkly amusing—god-fearing and rather dumb acolyte to the ‘evil’ Jessep.
Of course I would love to have seen Donné Ngabo as one of the co-accused, but was delighted to have seen ‘cover’ Jack Mahoney’s fabulous Queensland Theatre Company debut as Lance Cpl. Harold W. Dawson. The relationship between Dawson and Downey, as portrayed in the Saturday matinee by Mahoney and Mannix, works so well in this production—giving an insight into the friendship and interdependence between the two marines who are at the centre of the court case. And special mention for Mannix’s portrayal of Downey. Watching Mannix sitting in the dock toward the end of the court case, is an incredible experience—as the artist gives a superb portrayal of the terror of the young marine who was ‘just following orders.’
But there are no ‘weak links’ in a production that also includes Chris Alosio (Cpl. Jeffrey Owen Howard / M.P. / Lawyer) and Todd MacDonald (Capt. Isaac Whitaker/Cmdr. Walter Stone/Cpl. Dunn). And, while on the cast, congratulations also on the excellent dialect work. Many QPAC shows have stumbled over American accents, but the cast and Gabrielle Rogers (Voice and Dialect Coach) are to be commended on ensuring that this is absolutely set in America.
Did I like this show? absolutely. This is a show for our time, and a play that goes to the heart of what it means to be honourable and courageous. Despite finding the occasional, first act, full blast of lights directly into the audience a little disconcerting, this show gets a 6-star, 10 out of 10 rating from me. Go if you can find a ticket for this show—particularly if in the front half of the stalls.
Picture: Image credit Stephen Henry (NOT a Creative Futures Photography image)
Audience information: A Few Good Men, QPAC Playhouse, Southbank, Brisbane (22 November–7 December 2025). Tickets $79-$129 (plus transaction fee of $7.50). 160 minutes, including one interval. Recommended for ages 18+. The production contains adult themes, depictions of violence and suicide, occasional coarse language, the use of imitation firearms, theatrical smoke and haze, dynamic sound effects, occasional full black, and numerous strong flashes of red and white light.
Additional Credits: Rowan Chapman (Cover), Sarah Ann McLeod (Cover), Christen O’Leary (Assistant Director), Nigel Poulton (Fight, Choreography and Intimacy Director), James Francis (Military Consultant), Yanni Dubler (Stage Manager), Maddison Penglis (Assistant Stage Manager), Carys Walsh (Stage Management Secondment [QUT]), and Indiah Morris (Rehearsal Observation).
The reviewer attended the Saturday 29th November 2025 matinee (2pm show).