BWW Reviews: Stray Dog Theatre's Spellbinding Production of SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION

Stray Dog Theatre returns to their roots during their 10th anniversary season by presenting the first play they ever produced; John Guare's Six Degrees of Separation. Since this is a play set in 1990, it's particularly interesting to view it through the lens of the information age that we live in today. Guare's work emphasizes the importance of making personal connections with others, and we've definitely overachieved in the sheer volume of connections we have the ability to make these days, we've just managed to make them less personal, which really defeats the purpose. And, that's is why this work is still so vital and engaging.

The plot centers around the activities of a young African American man who calls himself "Paul", and who claims to be the offspring of Sidney Poitier. By using knowledge that he has acquired about them, he begins to infiltrate certain upper crust, Fifth Avenue type families. They're not exactly the "filthy rich", but it's something they have aspirations toward becoming. That's one of the reasons Paul is able to gain access to their homes, they all have a certain desire for fame, even if it's strictly by association, and getting close to him gets them closer to Mr. Poitier. Besides, Paul is charming and accommodating in a way that their own kids aren't. This is evidenced by the fact that when the families begin comparing notes they even suspect their own college-age children at first. When this idea proves to be unfounded, they ask their offspring to play detective instead, and investigate their friends for any connection they may have to Paul.

Sarajane Alverson and Gerry Love do terrific work as the Kittredges. They're the family our attention is focused on, and Guare even has them address us directly to clear up any doubt of who's in control of our story. While Love (Flanders Kittredge) maintains a certain skepticism about Paul, especially after the events that transpire when he stays the night at their place, Alverson (Ouisa Kittredge) is drawn to him. In him, she finds the connection she so desperately yearns for, something she was apparently never able to achieve with her own children. Greg Fenner is very good as Paul, quickly worming his way into the lives of these strangers with the ease of a well-heeled conman. Kay Love (Kitty) and Christopher Brenner (Larkin) play another couple who have been duped, and Michael Monsey also joins in on the merriment as Dr. Fine, who also gets taken. Stefanie Kluba (Elizabeth) and Jeffrey Salger (Rick) are a couple of struggling young actors that fall under Paul's spell, leading to unexpected consequences. Robert Ashton, Paul Edwards, Mitch Eagles, Zach Wachter, Shannon Walton, Joseph Corey Henke, Richard Stewart, and Evan R. Fonachon all contribute solid performances in support.

Director Gary Bell, who also designed the simple and effective set as well as the costumes (nice character fits all around), does superior work interpreting this script and guiding this talented ensemble. Bell's staging often deliberately places a certain amount of distance, and/or a difference in levels, between characters who are interacting, reinforcing their central need to connect since they appear detached from one another. This is particularly noticeable when the kids are being grilled about their knowledge, or lack of said, where Paul is concerned. Tyler Duenow's lighting design keeps the action clearly in focus.

Stray Dog Theatre comes full circle with this spellbinding production of Six Degrees of Separation, and it continues at the Tower Grove Abbey through June 22, 2013.

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