Theatrical Review: “Postmortem” Directed by: Sue Butler
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz
The Shawnee Playhouse in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA presented The Center Stage Players’ production of “Postmortem” by Ken Ludwig. The title of the play refers to events occurring after a death. These events include those involving police investigations in which a post mortem examination (autopsy) is performed to determine if the cause of death of a corpse was natural, accidental, or resulted in foul play (murder). The play itself is centered around such an investigation leading to discoveries of aspects embedded in each character long thought to be dead.
The play takes place in 1922 at the home of William Hooker Gillette (as portrayed excellently by Patrick Turner who serves on The Center Stage Players’ Board of Directors and helped designed the set) who was actually an actor who lived from 1853 until 1937 and was best known for his portrayals of Sherlock Holmes introducing his iconic deerstalker cap and meerschaum pipe. Ken Ludwig presents a scenario in which Gillette utilizes the mechanics of the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle detective in order to solve the case of the apparent suicide of his fiancée Maude Redding who was found dead of a gunshot wound the previous year. He utilized the celebration of the 30th Anniversary of his famous play titled, “Sherlock Holmes” (which he co wrote with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle) which he recently revived to assemble those he suspects to be Maude’s murderer.
The Center Stage Players’ production of “Postmortem” by Ken Ludwig begins with all the makings of a gentile dinner party murder mystery but it isn’t long until tensions between the characters makes the air thick enough to cut with a chainsaw. This served to draw the audience into the plot more deeply by adding an unexpected texture to the play. It also put the audience on notice there may be more unexpected turns ahead and it may be wise to look out for them.
These turns include landmarks on intrigue and secrets which well makes for a treacherous and mysterious theatrical journey. They are embodied in the characters who include Bobby Carlyle as portrayed by David Schappert (who helped design the set as well as the lighting design and special effects), May Dison as portrayed by Jessica Sue Santos, Marion Barrett as portrayed by Mary Stewart Erm (who also serves as The Center Stage Players’ Vice President) in the production I experienced and is portrayed by Katherine Neville Who served the production as the designer of the program’s cover and The Center Stage Players as its Treasurer) on other dates, Leo Barrett as portrayed by Dan Eash (who helped design the set and serves on The Center Stage Players’ Board of Directors), Lilly Warner as portrayed by Pat Van Varick (who serves on The Center Stage Players’ Board of Directors), Louise Parradine as portrayed by Juliet Dunham, and Macready as portrayed by an actor who makes his debut at the playhouse and bares an uncanny resemblance to Paul Newman named, “Casey Anderson.” Each had a motive to murder dear ol Maude and each have a reason to keep their motivations undiscovered.
Many productions presented by The Center Stage Players gave the audience the sensation the actors really enjoy the art of theatre. This production is no exception as one can tell the time and dedication each actor placed in discovering their character so it can be presented in a manner faithful to the script. This created a depth of understanding to the role which translated well on stage. The dialogue flowed freely and naturally suspending the audience’s disbelief that what they were witnessing wasn‘t being staged.
As wonderful as the acting was, there was one instance during the play which proved to be quite impressive. There was a scene in which a séance took place in order to contact Maude Redding. The stage was darkened and the characters sat around a table with some having their backs turned to the audience. This is a potentially dangerous thing to do as it breaks many theatrical rules and may have resulted in producing a very boring sequence.
However, it had the effect of entreating the audience to feel as if they were a part of the séance and involved with its progressions. This was a result of not only the caliber of acting but also of the play’s direction provided by Sue Butler. It is relatively easy to follow theatrical precedence and come up with a good scene but it is somewhat of a challenge to break with tradition and wind up with something as engaging as the scene described in this review.
The Center Stage Players’ production of “Postmortem” by Ken Ludwig was Directed by Sue Butler who also serves as The Center Stage Players’ President and as one of the production’s Set Designers. The production was Stage Managed by Lillian Ramirez-Gonzalez who also serves as The Center Stage Players’ Secretary. Jack Butler helped with the set design and Luke Swierczek served the production as its lighting and Sound Technician.
The Center Stage Players is a non-profit community theater group which was formed in April of 1990 and led by a board of directors. Membership is open to everyone regardless of experience. All auditions to their productions are open to the public as they strive to provide an environment in which persons with an interest in theater can grow and develop in all aspects of theater. Please feel free to Explore The Center Stage Players Website at www.sites.google.com/site/centerstageplayersorg to learn more information about them.
This presentation of The Center Stage Players’ production of “Postmortem” by Ken Ludwig will conclude its run at The Shawnee Playhouse in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA until October 23rd. I would recommend seeing this production as it‘s a truly great theatrical experience filled with mystery and intrigue. This is enhanced by the excellent acting and interesting staging techniques.
The Shawnee Playhouse provides professional quality year-round entertainment in a historic yet comfortable setting while bringing their guests a variety of theatrical experiences to the residents and vacationers of the area. They also serve as a training ground for young theatre performers and technicians. The Executive Director of The Shawnee Playhouse is Midge McClosky while the producers are Ginny and Charlie Kirkwood. Their Group Sales Manager is Mary Horn with Becky Haskell serving in the Marketing Department. Members of the Box Office Staff are Barbara Ross and Stacey Mattern. The Playhouse’s costumer is Missy Benefield.
Future presentations at The Shawnee Playhouse will include “Hollowed Wedding” by Brydie Jacques running October 28th through 31st, Pocono Shakes’ production of William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” running November 4th through 13th, “Home for Christmas” by Rod Foote running November 15th through December 22nd, “A Christmas Wizard of Oz” which is a Children’s Show by Kathryn Schultz Miller running November 18th through December 22nd, The Northeast Ballet Ensemble production of “The Nutcracker Ballet” #by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky running December 3rd through 12th, Mark Mysterrio’s Tales of Magic and Mystery for Kids running December 4th through 27th, The Annual Messiah Sing In featuring the work of George Frederick Handel on Tuesday December 20th, and a Kid’s Kabaret titled, “Back to the 80s” running December 29th and 30th. Please contact The Shawnee Playhouse at 570-421-5093 or Explore their Website at www.theshawneeplayhouse.com for more information and to reserve your ticket.
Those who enjoy the Passionate Art Lover level of membership in The Forwardian Arts Society are offered a $3.00 discount off the admission fee of selected productions (excluding Children Theatrical Productions and those presented by non Shawnee Production Companies) of The Shawnee Playhouse.
Image provided by Katherine Neville.
No comments:
Post a Comment