BWW Reviews: Stray Dog Theatre's Dark and Brilliant Production of THE VISIT

Friedrich Durrenmatt's The Visit (adapted by Maurice Valency) is like one of those expressionistic German films from the 1920's directed by Robert Wiene or F.W. Murnau come to life on the stage. In fact, the characters and their stylized mannerisms seem like they would be right at home in one of the villages that Dr. Caligari might bring his somnambulist Cesare to for exhibition purposes. That's probably one of the reasons I found this unique and moralistic work so fascinating. Stray Dog Theatre is presenting this macabre and unusual play as the closer for their current season, and it's a brilliantly staged affair.

The action takes place in the mythical town of Gullen in central Europe, a town that's become a dark and depressing little hovel since their industry has dried up. But, on this occasion they're welcoming back one of their own, the incredibly wealthy Claire Zachanassian, who's known for her considerable generosity. Their hopes, slim as they may be, rest on her charitable nature as she arrives by train with her latest paramour (husband to be number eight), Pedro. The townsfolk place their faith in Anton Schill, a shopkeeper who was in love with Claire when she was a teenager, even though both ended up marrying someone else.

But, Madame Zachanassian has other ideas in mind, seeking her own brand of justice for the circumstances that left her pregnant and ostracized from her community during the dead of winter those many years ago. This painful memory has never left her, and she makes it clear that the only way the townspeople will inherit the 1 billion marks she has promised them is to fulfill her revenge by taking Anton's life in exchange. Though the outcome may be fairly clear from the start, getting there is a bewitching excursion into the depths these individuals will sink to in order to pull themselves out of their poverty and debt.

Julie Layton is a marvel as Claire, crystalline clear in her motives and unwavering in her desire to see her goals accomplished. R. Travis Estes is also excellent as Schill, who's initially touted as the next Burgomaster by his community, until they realize the injustice he committed, and find themselves faced with the reality that their circumstance will never change unless they follow Claire's edict. Jan Niehoff impresses as well as the bumbling Burgomaster who knows all too well that there is no other way out their situation. Sarajane Alverson (the Teacher) and Melissa Harris (the Doctor) are the sole voices of reason, who try to convince Claire that a shrewd investment in the community would actually pay her dividends, until they find out that she already owns the entire village; lock, stock and barrel. Kevin Boehm amuses as Claire's fiance, a Greek with the name of a Spaniard, who's far more interested in fishing than following the devious and deviant schemes of his wife to be.

A huge supporting cast, some appearing in multiple roles, is simply superb, and includes: Stephen Peirick, Shane Mullen, Colleen Backer, Katie Puglisi, Ryan Glosemeyer, C.E. Fifer, Bob Harvey, C. Blaine Adams, Eric White, Olivia Light and Jenni Ryan.

Gary Bell's direction is smartly realized, and there are so many clever touches that I hesitate to mention any of them because I don't want to spoil the effects they produce. Suffice to say that the makeup and hairstyles alone are eye-catching, and are aided greatly by Alexandra Scibetta Quigley's costume designs, which finds nearly everyone but Claire and Pedro dressed in drab colors that reflect their mood. Quigley outfits Layton in a bright red dress that neatly meshes with her auburn tresses, making her stand out as the center of our attention in absolutely perfect fashion. Jay V. Hall's scenic design also captures the central European feel of an impoverished little town that's been bypassed by prosperity, and Tyler Duenow's stunning lighting acts to heighten the drama. Justin Been's sound design also adds to the overall intensity of this piece, underscoring the action with just the right atmosphere, while his projections let us know exactly where each scene is taking place.

Stray Dog Theatre's production of The Visit is required viewing, bringing this stark, Kafkaesque nightmare to life. The Visit continues through June 25, 2011 at the Tower Grove Abbey.

Photo credit: John Lamb

 

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