BWW Reviews: Stray Dog Theatre Present THE EFFECT OF GAMMA RAYS ON THE MAN-IN-THE-MOON MARIGOLDS Through 3/20

Playwright Paul Zindel's work The Effect of Gamma Rays on the Man-in-the Moon Marigolds tells a painful and dark story, and offers only a glimmer of hope to its protagonist. Vaguely reminiscent of the work of Tennessee Williams, Zindel's play is peppered with poetic and lyrical snatches of dialog that seem at odds with their grungy surroundings, and he even includes a demented alcoholic figure that lords over the other characters, making their lives miserable in the process. Stray Dog Theatre's current presentation is a nicely mounted production, featuring a very solid cast.

This play centers around the dysfunctional family known as the Hunsdorfers, led by a boozy matriarch named Beatrice who treats her two daughters more like hired help than her own children. A constant barrage of cruel remarks spews forth from her mouth unimpeded, stunting the emotional growth of those around her. Her eldest daughter Ruth, who may be epileptic, certainly behaves immaturely for her years, acting more like a petulant four year old than a budding young girl. Her other daughter Tillie, is shy and introverted, but has shown signs of having an interest in science. In fact, her experiment with varying degrees of radioactive marigold seeds is in contention to win the science fair. Most mothers would be proud of this achievement, but Beatrice is bitter at being denied any success in her own life, and she takes it out on anyone within earshot.

Andra Harkins gives a strong performance as Beatrice. You can't help but despise her treatment of her children, and if this weren't a period piece you'd probably wonder why they were still in her care. Still, it's hard not to appreciate her intense work here. Allison Ginsburg is compelling as Tillie, and as you come to realize her desperate circumstance, you can't help but root for her to succeed. Any uncertainty she exhibits actually plays into her repressed character. Jessica Cohen neatly captures the maddening impatience of her older sister Ruth, who's suffered a trauma that's left her with nightmares and occasional convulsive episodes. Taylor Beidler brings much needed humor to the show with her giggly and goofy portrayal of Janice Vickery, a fellow science fair competitor with a sinister edge. Sally Eaton rounds out the cast in the thankless part of Nanny, an aged boarder who's been left in Beatrice's care.

Director Gary Bell does fine work guiding this ensemble through their dramatic paces, although the gloomy atmosphere can be a bit hard to take at times. Bell's tattered and tacky costuming is matched by the griminess of Linda Lawson-Mixon's scenic design. Justin Been's sound design features an underscore that initially enhances the drama during scene changes, however it becomes a bit overbearing and cloying after continued and repeated use. Taylor Duenow's lighting scheme is effectively dramatic.

Stray Dog Theatre's production of The Effect of Gamma Rays on the Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds continues through March 20, 2010 at the Tower Grove Abbey.

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