BWW Reviews: Theater Schmeater's THE GINGERBREAD HOUSE Shines with Dark Intensity

To say that the current production from Theater Schmeater, "The Gingerbread House" by Mark Schultz, is intense is somewhat of an understatement. In fact this modern day fable doesn't just tell its story so much as it beats you over the head with it. A little long winded at times, this gripping tale will leave you shaken to say the least. In fact I think as I was leaving I said to my theater companion, "I'm a little messed up after that", although I used a more colorful epithet.

Schultz takes an absurdist modern day twist to the familiar tale of "Hansel and Gretel" as we enter the world of Brian and Stacey (Tom Dewey and Sara Coates), a suburban middle class couple with an unusual opportunity. Brian's friend Marco (Daniel Christensen) works with people in Eastern Europe willing to buy Brian and Stacey's two young children. What will happen to them once they reach their new home in Albania is debatable. Maybe they'll be making sweaters, maybe they'll be living in the lap of luxury or maybe something unspeakable may befall them. But that doesn't seem to matter as the slick Marco convinces the couple the kids will be fine but moreover, their lives will be free to open up to glorious new possibilities without the kids to hold them back. And what follows is a journey of bliss and success that quickly spirals out of control into some very dark places. At times I wondered if Schultz may be painting his characters a little too static or one note but then how can you paint real people behaving in such a way that it's OK to sell your kids?

To call this a dark comedy would be a bit of an overstatement. True there are some comedic elements to it especially when dealing with Fran and Collin (Lori Lee Haener and Raymond Williams), Stacey's client and co-worker at the travel agency. But any comedy inherent in the dialog or situation is quickly overshadowed with the blistering intensity and bleakness of the piece as the relationship between Stacey, Brian and Marco venture into some violent and disturbing places.

I'm not sure I can say I liked the piece but I can say it affected me. With and ingeniously versatile set by Michael Mowery and a stunning video design from Douglas Staley and Mike Jones, director Julia Griffin keeps the intention of these deeply flawed people finely honed and has a pace that doesn't ever let up. Dewey as the man-child Brian gives a fine portrayal of a man with little to no compunction about anything. Christensen couldn't be more subtly disgusting if he tried as his demon of a character slithers around the stage tempting this couple with a bite of the apple. And Coates manages some soul shattering moments as she devolves from blissfully unencumbered to desperately guilt ridden.

So, yeah, a super intense show that you really need to be in the mood for. And I must warn you there's a healthy dose of language, violence and full frontal nudity in the show. But, if you can handle it, it makes for one hell of a ride. Just leave a trail of breadcrumbs so you can get back to normal life afterwards.

"The Gingerbread House" plays at Theater Schmeater through April 20^th. For tickets or information visit them online at www.schmeater.org.

Photo credit: D. Hastings

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