Mike Meike (standing) as Bill and James Jordan (seated) as Peter in “Gladiator.”
Sydney Machesky (left) as Sue and Cory Thomas as John and in “Gaggle of Saints.”
Photos by: Patrick Pozezinski
By SUE SUCHYTA
The Studio Theatre presents two well-written and wonderfully performed one act plays: Richard Caliban’s “Gladiator” and Neil Labute’s “A Gaggle of Saints.” The powerful psychological dramas run through March 10 in the lower level of the Hilberry Theatre building.
For tickets or more information, call the box office at (313) 577-2972 or go to www.wsustudio.com.
GLADIATOR IS GRIPPING
“Gladiator” is an intensely gripping drama. An idealistic journalist is writing a story about the psychology of survival. When he interviews a prisoner serving a life sentence for murder, the interview becomes a lesson in survival itself. Katherine Skoretz directed the strong cast.
MEIKE MENACING
Mike Meike as Bill, the prisoner serving a life sentence for murder, is very menacing and frightening. Everything about the talented actor convinces the house he is the real deal, from his body language to his angry verbal exchanges with both the guard and the journalists. He truly gets the audience to suspend disbelief as he draws them into the emotional drama unfolding on stage.
THE POWER OF WORDS
James Jordan also delivers a fine performance as Peter, the writer. He runs the gamut from mild-mannered reporter to a man on the raw edge with desperate survival-tinged emotion.
THIRD PARTY
Stuart Sturton rounds out the trio as Joe, the prison guard. While less developed than the other two characters, he plays a key role in the story.
CONVERTIBLE SET HOUSES THE DRAMA
Scenic designer Lisa Berg produced a convertible set that went from prison interview room to a symbolic urban underbelly during the brief intermission. It reminded one of a giant Lego set, but grittier.
A GAGGLE OF SAINTS IS GREAT
Neil Labute’s “A Gaggle of Saints” takes us down a wandering road as a seeming innocent trip uncovers a darker side of some supposedly civilized college kids. Directed by Julie Moriarty, the show is told through the narration of two Boston College students recounting their weekend in New York City, and how they rationalize their behavior.
HE SAID / SHE SAID
Sydney Machesky plays Sue and Corey Thomas plays John in the two person narrative told in flashback that starts out innocently and turns into a frightening confession. Machesky plays Sue as sweet and wholesome, and a bit too naïve, while Thomas portrays the well-mannered preppy college man with an unexpected dark side to his personality.
PARADISE LOST
The ending is ambiguous and open to interpretation – one may believe the set is merely symbolic of the moral decline of society, or the two may actually be in purgatory for the sins they have committed. The play leaves their fate open to interpretation.
The play is full of symbolism and double meanings – I pity any student who must write a paper about it. There’s so much open to interpretation that such an analysis would be a challenge to dissect.
STUDIO CONTINUES TO SHINE
The Studio Theatre continues to raise the bar and offer strong and compelling dramatic offerings. For more information about this and upcoming shows, visit their web site at www.wsustudio.com.
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