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Angel Street (Gaslight)
By Patrick Hamilton
Directed by Alison C. Vesely, SSDC
Produced by First Folio Shakespeare Festival
At Mayslake Peabody Estate
31st St. & RT 83
Oak Brook, IL
Call 630-986-8067, firstfolio@firstfolio.org
Tickets $25
Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 pm
Sundays at 3 pm
Running time is 2 hours, 15 minutes with intermission
Through May 6, 2007
Terrific Victorian thriller features excellent acting
First Folio Shakespeare Festival, now utilizing the indoor space at the old Mayslake Retreat House, has selected outstanding works to mount during the cold weather months. Their latest, Angel Street , the 1938 play by Patrick Hamilton renamed Gaslight for the 1944 classic film with Ingrid Bergman and Charles Boyer, is a gem of a play and a gem of a thriller. Director Alison C. Vessely has the three principle players in perfect snic delivering one of the smoothest thrillers mounted on stage in Chicago in years! This flawless work will grab you and keep you on the edge of your seats throughout. I’ll not give away too much, but let me say that the quintessential Victorian thriller is beautifully produced. If you love mysteries—then see this show.
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Melanie Keller as the wan Mrs. Manningham finds herself sliding inexorably into insanity, just as her mother did before her. Keller is totally convincing as the confused and timid Victorian wife. Her husband, played with compelling intensity and in a deliciously nasty turn by the amazing Michael Weber (know as one of the finest directors in Chicago), is the dominating and controlling husband. Mr. effectively plants the seeds of doubt in Mrs. that effectively renders her into wondering if, indeed, she is losing her mind. With a stunning set design (by Angela Miller), aptly depicting a Victorian drawing room, Angel Street fits as a true mystery drama. That’s as far as I’m going to reveal the plot—the rest is smartly presented in an engaging night at the theatre. Is Mr. behind Mrs.’ problems? Why does the gaslight grow dim when Mr. is out of the house? See this show to find out more. Mark Douglas-Jones, as the inspector, delivers a respectable performance matching the outstanding work from Melanie Keller and Michael Weber.
Angel Street is a rare treat that will convince you of the power of a thriller on stage when performed by talented players in a tight, smooth production. First Folio, under Alison C. Vesely and husband David Rice, understand how to select and mount first-class plays. See this gem, it’s better than the movie.
Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed: April 7, 2007
Jeff Recommended
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