BWW Reviews: Repertory Theatre of St. Louis Presents Brilliant Adaptation of CRIME AND PUNISHMENT

If you've never read Fyodor Dostoyevsky's mammoth classic Crime and Punishment, you're probably still familiar with certain themes and characters that populate this piece of Russian literature. The particularly misguided concept of there being extraordinary humans amongst us that feel they have the right to govern and commit acts of murder because they are "above the law", and because it is for the good of all mankind, is certainly nothing new to anyone who follows politics, or knows their history. It's at the heart of Dostoyevsky's work, and in Marilyn Campbell and Curt Columbus's smartly compressed adaptation that point is clearly communicated. The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is presenting an absolutely brilliant production of this reworking of Crime and Punishment in the Studio Theatre at the Loretto-Hilton. Stunning design and direction have combined with an outstanding cast and dramatic genius to produce a masterpiece.

Raskolnikov is an unstable former law student who's dropped out and cloistered himself away in his tiny St. Petersburg apartment to think. Strapped for cash, he decides to act on a theory he's devised, eliminating an aged money lender, who he perceives to be harmful to himself and society in general. But constructing theory and putting it into practice are two different things, and the outcome leaves him guilt wracked, with his very sanity in doubt. He's pursued in the matter by the dogged persistence of Inspector Porfiry, who's read a paper that was published on his notions, and thinks he may have decided to act on his ideas.

Jimmy King is intense and compelling as Raskolnikov, and he quickly pulls you into the web of deceit that his character has put in place. King walks a fine line here, on the brink emotionally, but never over the top. Even though it would be easy to dismiss his character as unlikable, he's able to bring out the goodness that's within as well. Raskolnikov has lost his way, and King neatly illuminates his tortured journey.

Triney Sandoval brings considerable flair to his role of Inspector Porfiry. Outwardly he displays an impish enthusiasm, and a seemingly careless disregard towards Raskolnikov's guilt or innocence, but inwardly we sense the true seriousness of the matter. A series of encounters with the pair act to ratchet up the tension that drives the story. Sandoval also does sharp work as a drunk that Raskolnikov runs into at a tavern, and who shares his same feelings of alientation.

Amy Landon is haunting in several roles, but her work as a prostitute named Sonia is especially well done. Sonia is the daughter of the drunk Raskolnikov encountered, forced into this profession by her father's inaction and drunken behavior. They form a bond based initially on Raskolnikov's generous contribution to cover the cost of her father's funeral, but something deeper develops between them. In the end, she offers him his one last chance at redemption. Landon also dazzles as the ghost of Raskolnikov's mother, and as the elderly money lender, and her sympathetic sister.

Stuart Carden's direction keeps the actors keenly focused, and their collective performances drive this powerful story towards its inevitable conclusion. He's aided by the marvelous scenic design of Gianni Downs, which offers up about thirty dingy doors at varying levels (a number of which are actually utilized), as well as a scalable heap of tables and chairs. Garth Dunbar's grimy costumes and Brian Sidney Bembridge's moody lighting work with Andre Pluess's spooky sound design to conjure up the necessary gloomy atmosphere.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis's current production of Crime and Punishment is impressive and powerful entertainment. Performances continue through March 28, 2010 in the Studio Theatre of the Loretto-Hilton.

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