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Angel Street (Gaslight) (2008) >
Amador Ledger Dispatch
A Broadway hit first produced in London under the title Gaslight and filmed twice, Angel Street tells the story of the Manninghams who live on Angel Street in the 19th Century. When the curtain rises, all appears to be peaceful. It is soon apparent that Mr. Manningham, a suavely sinister and handsome man, is slowly torturing his gentle, devoted wife Bella, into insanity under the guise of kindness. While he is out, Mrs. Manningham has an unexpected caller: amiable, paternal Inspector Rough from Scotland Yard. Rough is convinced that Manningham is a maniacal criminal wanted for a murder committed fifteen years earlier in this very house. Gradually the hearty and understanding Rough restores Mrs. Manningham's confidence in herself and they build up evidence against Manningham, managing this exciting and fascinating task shrewdly but not succeeding until the author has built up and sustained some of the most brilliant suspense in the modern theatre. The secret of the dimming gaslight and the mystery of the hidden rubies will captivate all. "Infinite craft and dexterity.... Comes off the top part of the theatre's top shelf." -N.Y. Times..
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Amador Ledger-Dispatch
No mystery to 'Angel Street's' appeal
By Scott Thomas Anderson, Amador Ledger-Dispatch
(3.18.08) Main Street Theatre Works' premier for 2008 is a solid take on a film noir classic. At its heart, "Angel Street" (better known by its cinematic title, "Gaslight") is a shadowy psychodrama wrapped in a Victorian crime puzzle. With a gripping script, nice set-design and highly effective showing from its cast, MSTW's version of "Angel Street" creates something between a Hitchcockian mind game and Arthur Conan Doyle mystery - and a fitting endeavor to balance out the comedy-heavy repertoire MSTW has been known for of late.
From its opening scene, "Angel Street" is marked by an atmosphere of troubling facades echoing through vague illusions. Mrs. Manningham, played with great precision and energy by Dale Lisa Flint, is a terrified woman convinced her mind is unraveling under the eyes of her husband and the cruel, claustrophobic walls of a mansion she never leaves. While film lovers may have trouble separating themselves from Ingrid Bergman's famously intense portrayal of Mrs. Manningham, director Julie Anchor and her lead actress have brought to life a more historical, and in many ways relatable, version of the character. Flint is more than sympathetic as a kind of "every-woman" being battered into thinking she's neurotic by her domineering husband. In the fashion of the day, Mr. Manningham can be controlling, condescending and chillingly robotic.
As the story's heroine is buried under a landslide of self doubt caused by his actions, there's a genuine believability to Flint's wounded performance. She never takes a minute off, whether she's building into a frantic fever or silently reacting with her eyes during the interludes when she has no dialogue. Flint's versatility is one of the lynch pins of the production's success.
In the role of Mr. Manningham is actor Peter Playdon. Playdon's strength lies in his use of the character's physicality. Some of the most startling moments of "Angel Street" revolve around Mr. Manningham transforming from haughty to haunting through his actual movements - and in this Playdon is always on the mark in getting the reaction he wants from the audience. He does, however, at times appear to struggle a little with pulling certain elements of his character together, making for a slight hitch in his overall performance.
Ken Nitschke is strong as Inspector Rough. He has spot-on timing for the play's all-important moments of comic relief, and is no less proficient in his duty of revealing the story's genre-laden plot-points without letting the atmosphere slip into the parody realm of curling mustaches and damsels tied to train tracks. After Flint, Nitschke has the most responsibility in holding onto the production's air of realism. From start to finish, he does not disappoint.
A bright spot in the supporting cast is Jessicah Neufeld as Nancy, Mrs. Manningham's arch-rival. Neufeld has mastered the kind of classless Cockney accent you'd find in a 19th century London slum like White Chapel. Playing the young, attractive servant who's unintentionally aiding in her mistress' psychological crack-up, Neufeld's moments on the stage are captivating for their genuine sense of intrusion - thus mimicking the effect they have on Mrs. Manningham's self-esteem and feelings of insecurity. It's clear from this relative newcomer's outstanding stage presence and performance ability that she'll have much to offer in future leading roles.
According to MSTW's Susan McCandless, the theater company is making a move back toward letting dramas have equal share with comedies on their season schedule. "Angel Street" is a very competent and enjoyable step in this direction. The hard work of its cast, crew and production team make for a season debut that's worth dropping in on.
The Friday and Saturday dinner theater for "Angel Street" runs through April 12, with doors opening at 6:15 p.m. and the show at 7:45. The Sunday lunch matinees are March 30 and April 6, with doors opening at 12:15 p.m. and the show at 1:45 p.m. Prices for dinner theater are $40. Prices for lunch matinee are $30. Ticket price includes the meal, beverage, dessert, tax, tip and the show. Show only tickets for dinner theater are $17.50. Show only tickets for matinees are $16.
Tickets are available at Lizzie Ann's/Bubblegum Books at 59 Main St., Sutter Creek, or charge by phone at 267-5680 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.mstw.org.
Three starts out of four.
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