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| While opening night was a bit shaky, the
fascinating production at the Studio Theatre of the Repertory Theatre of St.
Louis has promise. Called Secret Order, this four character
play deals with some awful truths about research and some awful lies that often
hinder that research. A promising young scientist, played by Todd Lawson, believes he may be on the brink of curing cancer. For the sake of theatricality, some very unscientific jargon and simplistic solutions abound, but the core of the idea is astounding. He is contacted by the head of a major research lab and, although Robert Brock - played to perfection by Richmond Hoxie - has quite a bit more personality than one usually associates with such an austere position, it brings great humor to a dry subject. Another noted figure at the institute, played by Stan Lachow, is an enigmatic figure who eventually plays a major role in the reversals of fortune for both the young scientist and his perky assistant, played with charm by Angela Lin. The play speaks on several levels including the necessity for money and power to assist in important research and then, as things begin to falter, the necessity to keep that research going no matter what the cost. Director Risa Brainin moves the often stodgy dialogue along with a brisk pace and the Bob Clyman script handles the subject matter with an eye to keeping the layman from getting bogged down in a myriad of scientific facts. The unique set design and lighting by Mark Wilson adds to the special feel of the Studio Theatre. If it weren't for many stumbles in dialogue keeping the continuity a bit stagnant, Secret Order could have been even more fun on opening night. This unfortunate problem stemming from under-rehearsing will clear as the play moves on and this should be a very worthwhile and provocative production. Secret Order, the opener for this years' Studio Theatre at the Rep, plays through November 15th. This is Steve Allen with theatre in St. Louis for CLASSIC99. |
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