Review: Perfect for Halloween- THE TURN OF THE SCREW Opens at the Just Off Broadway Theatre

Only weeks ahead of Halloween THE TURN OF THE SCREW opened this weekend at the Just Off Broadway Theatre in Kansas City. Julie Shaw directs the Spinning Tree Theatre production of the novella from the story by Henry James. THE TURN OF THE SCREW runs through Halloween weekend, closing on Sunday November 1.

Two actors, one in the part of The Woman and all the other parts played by The Man. portray the 1996 adaption by Jeffrey Hatcher. As in the story by Henry James, Hatcher never actually presents the ghosts to the audience. Is The Woman actually seeing the ghosts of Peter Quint and Miss Jessel? The ghosts that seem to control the children and their actions or inactions. The answer to the question remains with the audience to decide.

The Woman meets with the wealthy pompous mystery man who wishes to have her take over the role of governess for his enigmatic niece and nephew. The naïve woman takes on the challenge after agreeing to his strictest rule, that she never ever contact him. Believing she will be taking charge of the niece, she quickly learns that the 10 year-old nephew will be joining them, since being released from his boarding school for corruption. The nephew arrives and she quickly discovers that he has the power to control his sister. The big question for her, who or what is controlling him.

Nicole Marie Green is phenomenal in the role of The Woman. She presents a dramatic side that I had not had the privilege to see before. She does not play the part of The Woman she is The Woman. Her performance is so pure that audience members not only believe she is the governess, but as she goes into a rage at the apparition in the window, you actually believe you see a silhouette. Having become a fan since her performance in THE MIRACULOUS JOURNEY OF EDWARD TULANE at The CoterieTheatre, her portrayal takes her to a new height in performance excellence.

One of Kansas City's favorite performers Charles Fugate plays The Man, taking on the additional roles of Mrs. Grose, the housekeeper, Miles the young nephew and everyone else in the production. He gives a strong performance in each role as he smoothly slides from one character to the next. His transition from one character to the other is as smooth as has ever been seen. His depiction of Miles is powerful and sits on the verge of creepy.

Spinning Tree Theatre has again taken their productions to a new height, one that may be difficult for other companies to duplicate. Andrew Parkhurst, Managing Director, and Michael Grayman, Artistic Director, always bring entertainment of the highest quality to Kansas City stages. From lighting, scenic design, costuming and superb performances everything in their productions help to bring the magnetism of the stage to Kansas City audiences.

THE TURN OF THE SCREW continues at the Just Off Broadway Theatre through November 1. Purchase tickets by visiting the Spinning Tree Theatre website. Photo courtesy of Spinning Tree Theatre.

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