Jean Cocteau Rep's production of George Bernard Shaw's always-relevant Arms and the Man is a delightful evening. Director Ernest Johns and his fine cast enliven Shaw's basic view of the ridiculousness of war, giving it a proper romantic/satirical edge that keeps us engaged and smiling. Outstanding in the cast is Jason Crowl, as the soldier who crawls in the window and into the heart of a young enemy noblewoman. He has the charisma, the edge, to go far in all media of show business. The excellent set by Robert J. Martin lighting by David Kniep and costumes by Robin I. Shane give high level enhancement to the production, which shows once again that a first-rate small company, without stars, can create work as enjoyable as any on Broadway.
