Reviewed by Suzanne Angeo (Member, American Theatre Critics Association)
and Greg Angeo (Member Emeritus, San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle)
Ron Williams, Stephen Blackwell
Photos courtesy of Sean Carter Photography
Forget About Hitchcock
To launch their 58th season (and to get everyone in the mood for Halloween), Meadow Brook Theatre has chosen the murderous suspense classic “Strangers on a Train”. Adapted in 2004 for BBC radio and then in 2013 for the stage by British playwright Craig Warner, the story hews pretty close to its source material: the 1950 novel of the same name by Patricia Highsmith (who went on to write “The Talented Mr Ripley” in 1955). Warner’s adaptation premiered in London’s West End to critical and public acclaim. Surprisingly, the well-known 1951 film by Alfred Hitchcock bears almost no resemblance to the novel. Mr Hitchcock reportedly told the scriptwriters to “forget about the book”, and they went on to rewrite almost the entire story. So you should forget about the movie – and prepare for a long, strange trip.
Chip DuFord, Julia Glander
The basic premise is familiar: two men meet by chance on a train; Guy Haines, a moody but promising young architect, and Charlie Bruno, a maniacal mama’s boy with too much time and money on his hands. A philosophical discussion about Plato turns dark, and one of them proposes they “swap murders” – one man’s unfaithful wife, the other man’s stingy father. At this point, expect the unexpected; the story begins to take many emotional twists and turns, as well as geographical ones, ranging from the American southwest to Florida to the east coast and back again. Throw in a suspicious detective, and you have the makings of a juicy thriller. Guy’s growing nightmare and Charlie’s growing menace increase exponentially, ending in a heartbreaking climax.
MBT veteran Ron Williams (“Ken Ludwig’s Moriarty”) plays Guy with sullen restraint, waffling between temptation and his longing for a secure, happy life. Fellow MBT regular Stephen Blackwell (“Moriarty”, “Clue: Onstage”) really takes the bull by the horns in this flamboyant portrayal of the crazed drunken hedonist Charlie. Much scenery is chewed, and all the better for it.
Not to be outdone, Julia Glander (“Calendar Girls”) as Charlie’s mother steals every scene she’s in. Her performance as the scheming, aging glamour queen Elsie highlights the possible reasons her son is such a mess. Another dependable MBT regular is Chip DuFord (“Father of the Bride”) as private investigator Arthur Gerard, family retainer and friend of Charlie’s father. He has a deceptively folksy, homespun air that leads people to underestimate him – at their peril.
Ron Williams, Ashley Wickett
Ashley Wickett’s portrayal of Guy’s fiancé Ann is rather loud and giggly at first, then evolves into melodramatic love and concern for her new husband. Tobin Hissong as Guy’s amiable partner and David Moan as his longtime friend round out the talented cast.
The complex set by Brian Kessler and lighting by Brian Debs reflect the numerous locations, often simultaneously: a massive staircase, various hotel rooms, a luxurious home, an office. One eerie scene involving a mirror is one of the best moments in the show.
This may be one of the most intricate and tightly paced shows by director Travis Walter. Although there are a few places where monologues can run a bit long, he skillfully manages to connect the slow, agonizing build of dramatic tension, multiple locales and characters – all moving parts – with very stylish “film noir” results. It would be interesting to see a version of this production with all black and white sets, makeup and costumes, and appropriate lighting to make us think we were really seeing a “film noir”. Maybe for another time…?
When: Now through November 3, 2024
Tickets $39 to $48
Where: Meadow Brook Theatre at Wilson Hall
Oakland University
378 Meadow Brook Rd
Rochester Hills, MI 48309
(248) 377-3300
www.mbtheatre.com
Special Note: As COVID-19 is a constantly changing situation, MBT will be monitoring and adhering to the guidance given by the CDC, the State of Michigan, the Actor’s Equity Association, and Oakland University. Check the Meadow Brook Theatre website for the latest information on efforts to keep everyone safe.
This production is made possible through the generous support of the Michigan Arts and Cultural Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation, the Shubert Foundation and the Meadow Brook Theatre Guild.
Meadow Brook Theatre is a professional theatre located on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. MBT is a nonprofit cultural institution serving southeast Michigan for more than 58 years.
