Review: Theatre in the Park's IT IS DONE Serves Up Spooky Tale Along With Fine Performances

A storm is brewing over Theatre in the Park (TIP), a storm of such magnitude that it brings three strangers together in a honky-tonk bar in the middle of nowhere.

The barkeep in this gin joint is Hank. He doesn't see too much traffic (except in September), which makes this random Tuesday unusual, in more ways than one.

That is the premise of Alex Goldberg's macabre play IT IS DONE, which makes its regional premiere at TIP this month. The play premiered in 2011 and was billed as one of the top Los Angeles Theatre Productions of 2012 by Brad Schreiber of 'The Huffington Post.'

In this production, Tony Pender, who plays Hank, oozes sleaze and vulgarities convincingly. Jock Brocki's performance as Jonas, a troubled, tortured man on the run, is compelling. And Olivia Fitts, who plays Ruby, not only has the face of an angel but also gives a chilling, appropriately over-the-top, promising performance, that reels in both her male counterparts, as well as the audience, from the start.

The sprawling, detailed set is perfect. And while the sound and lighting effects adequately set the scene, they are used in excess and at times overshadow the performances.

Director Ira David Wood III is adept at tackling dark comedies, and while Goldberg's script is a slow starter, it revs up to a gripping albeit sinister climax that will keep some audiences on the edge of their seats.

IT IS DONE runs through October 21st at Theatre in the Park. For more information visit: https://www.theatreinthepark.com/whats-on/.

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