Review: Theatre Tallahassee's IN A FOREST, DARK & DEEP Grippingly Brutal

Following this week's tragic loss of Edward Albee, voices have risen to claim Neil LaBute as the greatest living American playwright. Critics disagree on the specifics of this proclamation, but concur that LaBute nails one thing- realism, gritty and sweet. The second show of its 16-17 season is director Scott Mock's regional premiere of one of LaBute's newer plays, In a Forest, Dark & Deep. The show shows an undercurrent of real-America, rearing its ugly head, biting at the throat of audiences. Conversational and graphic, Mock has given residents a dark play, putting audiences in a small cabin during a storm, face-to-face with the truth.

"Broadway in your backyard" being Theatre Tallahassee's mission statement, Mock definitely took the backyard into account. By all means, In a Forest, Dark & Deep showcases what lies behind every small town America, every family, every couple. The plot of the show is best left unsaid, with the twists surprising you at every turn. The show runs only a single act, no intermission, without lowering the tension once.

Balancing the nuanced and horrid characters are Theresa Davis and Travis Nichols, two actors who aren't seen on the stage very often. Davis is the executive director of Theatre Tallahassee, and Nichols hasn't stepped on a stage in six years. LaBute is a ruthless (and misogynistic, truth be told) playwright, giving these two performers close to two hours on-stage, relentlessly going for each others' jugulars. It's a shock that either leave the stage conscious, for the energy and emotion they put forward. The chemistry of the siblings works phenomenally, giving a breath of life to the two who will hold the audiences' breath in a vise for the duration. Nichols is a true standout for his casual, truthful performance of a man that we all know and hate. LaBute may be a fine writer, but you have to remember that his characters are not meant to be loved.

It's this fact that drew Mock to direct In a Forest, Dark & Deep in the first place. A proclaimed fan of LaBute's works for years, Mock loves this 2011 work because "neither character is redeemable. Usually, there's at least one, but in this one, you don't really have a reason to like either." He's right. In an artistic medium where usually there lies a protagonist, if not many, it's wrenching to have two unlovable characters. Even further when you're forced to pick a side when both are just as dark.

Stephen Jammer's set design is gorgeous, housing the audience in a small, darkened cabin. The wooden interior blends with extensive props, furniture, and scenery, creating a vivid environment to be stuck in with the characters. With Lindsey Reanier's minimalistic but realistically toned lighting, the atmosphere bleeds through the audience, matching tone of script with the tone of technical aspects. The duo has given In a Forest, Dark & Deep a feel that can't be shaken as you leave.

Scott Mock has selected one of LaBute's most difficult, most honest pieces to give Tallahassee's encroaching fall. The chills come in abundance, warning that perhaps you are truly alone and stuck with the siblings in their forest. Through his direction and the receptive performances, In a Forest, Dark & Deep showcases the relatable American behind-closed-doors discussions. Family, friends, co-workers, it doesn't matter- In a Forest, Dark & Deep is one of the most horrifically honest piece Theatre Tallahassee has given yet.

In a Forest, Dark & Deep runs from September 22nd through October 9th, in Theatre Tallahassee's Coffeehouse. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door.

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