Date: Fri 02-May-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: DONNAM

Illustration: I

Location: A10

Quick Words:

theatre-Stage-Struck

Full Text:

(rev "Stage Struck" @Stamford TheatreWorks, 5/2/97)

Theatre Review-

A Spellbinding Psychological Thriller

(with photo)

By June April

STAMFORD - Suspense, with twists and turns, in the tradition of Death Trap ,

is what audiences encounter when seeing Stage Struck at Stamford TheatreWorks.

Spellbinding in both action and acting, this production is a must for people

who relish psychological thrillers.

Located at 200 Strawberry Hill, STW's intimate theatre has been the source of

some of the most stimulating and best produced contemporary plays this

reviewer has had the pleasure of experiencing. With STW now in its ninth

season, producing director and founder Steve Karp has maintained a commitment

to plays that have relevance to social issues, that are provocative, and that

demonstrate acting as fine craft.

Stage Struck is being directed by Douglas Moser, a former artistic director of

the Boston Post Road Stage Company and director of numerous New York theatre

productions. It is the story of a married couple, Robert and Anne. She is an

actress and the bread winner; he is the "housewife." Stir in a semi-crazed

tenant who lives in a cottage on their property and a psychiatrist, and the

plot quickly becomes thickened and challenging.

Sets are always one of the outstanding features of Stamford TheatreWorks

productions. This time it is an English country home, appropriately appointed

with comfortable furnishings, photos and bric-a-brac reflecting the lives of

the occupants. It is a tribute to the talents of Pearl Broms, the scenic

painter and in charge of props.

All of this is heightened by lighting designer Russell Hodson, whose skills

add tension to pregnant moments. Scenic designer Andre Durette has created a

set to be very proud of, even compared to Broadway productions.

The cast of four - three men and a "babe" - are all Equity people. Portraying

the scheming wife, Bethe B. Austin has been on Broadway, off-Broadway, Europe

and around the United States, as well as radio and television. As a Drama Desk

Award recipient, she has been recognized by her peers as fine talent.

Her complex, caring and frustrated husband is believably played by Joseph

Culliton, whose Shakespearean experience is very evident in his fine speaking

and pronunciation. His musical talent also comes through in the velvet quality

of his voice.

Writer and actor David Ruckman presents a character who makes an audience

uneasy. The unpredictable nature of Mr Ruckman's Herman grows as the play

progresses.

Then there is Widdecombe, about whom one cannot say too much, for it will give

away part of the plot. One can only say that he too may be a victim.

Widdecombe's portrayer, Daniel Marcus was last seen by this reviewer in

Triumph of Love at Yale Repertory Theatre in New Haven, where he played one of

the foils, a comedic gardener.

Mr Marcus made his debut opposite Kevin Kline in a New York production of

Pirates of Penzance ...not a bad way to begin a career. He has also been seen

in Sonya with Julie Harris at the Phoenix Theatre at SUNY/Purchase. In all

cases, whatever the size of the part, he was memorable in his performance.

Stamford TheatreWorks' Stage Struck continues until May 11. Tickets range from

$17 to $22. Group, student and senior citizen discounts are available. Visa

and MasterCard are accepted. For information and tickets, call 359-4414.