Date: Fri 30-Jul-1999

Publication: Bee

Author: CAROLL

Quick Words:

Yale-Cabaret-Screw-James

Full Text:

THEATRE REVIEW: Yale's Summer Cabaret Produces A First-Rate Thriller By James

(with cut)

By June April

NEW HAVEN -- Jeffrey Hatcher's adaptation of author Henry James' compelling

thriller Turn of the Screw is first rate. Having recently re-read the book,

this, the third of Yale's Summer Cabaret productions, is riveting and flows

along even faster than the tempo of the book.

The Yale production has only two actors, but there are more than two

characters in the play. It is successfully produced and directed, so there is

no sense of loss... except as the story itself unfolds.

Actress Lael Logan shines in this melodrama and consistently carries herself

admirably, both in language and body language in her role as the courageous

and fervent governess.

Playing multiple roles of a variety of ages and sexes, Brandon Miller is

challenged. He meets his dramatic objectives head on and triumphantly.

The story is basically about a young governess who is hired by a handsome and

wealthy bachelor to watch over his orphaned young niece and nephew. The

governess, who is referred to as The Woman in this adaptation and Miss or Dear

in the book, agrees to go to the bachelor's estate, called Bly, to mind and

educate the children.

There is one rather peculiar proviso, however, and that is that the governess

will not contact the uncle/guardian under any circumstance. When she arrives

at the glorious estate there is another world, of ghosts and intrigue, she and

the children must face.

How the governess fares and what is the truth behind the ghosts is what keeps

the audience on the edge of its collective seats for all of the too brief 90

minutes of suspense.

Directed by Elizabeth Stevens, a recent graduate of Yale School of Drama,

there is a fine sense of timing and characterization that indicates great

sensitivity and directional promise.

The costume and setting design by Luke Cantarella deserve applause. Mr

Cantarella was assisted by Kay Yaukey, a multiply talented woman who served as

the costume intern for this show.

The only issue with this production was the background music. Clearly the

intent was to set a sense of tension for the play. But after hearing the

assembled pieces for the third time (we always come for the pre-play dinner

that is served), it became annoying.

Though not suggested for very young children, The Turn of the Screw could be

appropriate for teenagers as well as adults. It could also serve as a fine

entre into the writings of Henry James, one of America's literary giants.

Playing through July 31, The Turn of the Screw promises an evening of fun and

suspense.

(For tickets and further information call 432-1567.)