BWW Reviews: THE RUNNER STUMBLES - a Thrilling Mystery

Do you think that celibacy, is cruel and unusual punishment?
Clearwater's West Coast Players' current production of "THE RUNNER STUMBLES" is as much a love story, as it is a thriller, a mystery, a court room drama, and a who-dunnit? In fact, it is all of these things and more. It is a fascinating, compelling, theatrical piece, based on a true story beginning in rural Michigan, in 1906.

"THE RUNNER STUMBLES", by playwright, Milan Stitt, opened on Broadway in 1976. It was directed by Austin Pendleton, and ran for nearly 400 performances. It was named Best Broadway Play of 1976 in the annual Best Plays book. A film adaptation based on the play, was released in 1979, starring Dick Van Dyke and Kathleen Quinlan, Beau Bridges, Maureen Stapleton, Ray Bolger and Tammy Grimes.
I believe this story needs to be seen live on stage, to be fully appreciated; and the West Coast Players production has a cast that does an admirable presentation.

When the play opened in the 1970's, the theme was much more shocking than it is in today's world. That being said, the story line is still quite relevant and thought provoking. Without giving a synopsis,(as so many theatre critics do), (which I feel "gives away" too much of the plot and is not a "critique"), I will simply say, that the story begins in 1906 and revolves around Father Rivard, a Roman Catholic priest, who is in charge of a small country parish. Father Rivard is on trial for murder. The scenes involve a series of flashback vignettes, interrogations and courtroom testimonies.

A pool of light reveals a jail cell, with Father Rivard, seated and awaiting trial, while pleading his innocence to Amos, the warden. Through flashbacks, we meet Sister Rita, a young nun, with an exciting outlook on life, who is assigned to teach at the parish school. We also meet the likeable, yet intimidating housekeeper, Mrs. Shandig. The story would be incomplete without a monsignor, a country lawyer, the prosecutor, a parishioner, and a trial witness, all from the small, country town.

The minimal set design by Linda Weir, was composed of six, small playing areas, with practical, wooden, set pieces. The effective lighting design by Mike Arnold gave direct focus to each scene, and costumes by Rosalyn Savel, were appropriately period.

The lead actors of the West Coast Players, give a marvelous, memorable, performance.
Rand Smith, is outstanding, in his multi layered portrayal of Father Rivard. His acting was so believable, that he convincingly, captivated the audience with a dynamic, inner tension, and suppressed emotion, that left us holding our breath and gasping for air.

Ashlie Johnson shines as Sister Rita. She lives the role, in an honest and impressive portrayal. Miss. Johnson brings color and dimension to Sister Rita, with "spirit", beauty, and gripping vulnerability. A stunning performance.
As the matronly housekeeper, Donna Donnelly gives a glowing portrayal of Mrs. Shindig. Her character is formidable. Miss Donnelly posses a stage quality that projects way beyond the "footlights", in an enthralling performance.

Smith, Johnson, and Donnelly have a magnetic chemistry between all three of them. You believe that they actually knew each other, for the time span of the play. A rare quality, indeed.

Rounding out the cast were Bill Martin as Toby Felker,(the bumbling, country lawyer), Tom Costello as the Prosecutor, John Clark as Monsignor Nicholson, Drew Smith as Amos, Johanna Griese as Erna Prindle, and Tara Fuller as Louise.

This is not an easy show to cast, nor is it an easy show to direct, and Linda Weir is to be commended on both accounts. Miss. Weir's staging was perfectly innovative and suspense-filled. She precisely framed each scene, while moving in and out of scenes with smoothness and ease. Miss. Weir's addition of recorded Gregorian chants enhanced the scene changes and overall atmosphere of the production.

This is high drama and never once was their an instance of "melo"-drama. For this alone, I offer my thanks, appreciation, and kudos to all of the actors, director, and creative team and crew.
~ BRAVO!

Please support Community Theatre and all of the volunteers, that put in endless time and talent, to make the magic happen, simply... "for the LOVE of the theatre".

Go see it!

"THE RUNNER STUMBLES", plays April 19th - May 5th, 2013
Ticket Prices $16.00 CALL - 727- 437-2363
The theatre is located at 21905 U.S. 19 North, Clearwater, Florida

The next production at West Coast Players is "THE BOYS in the BAND", June 7th - 23rd, 2013