 |
|
|
| It's like watching the
Cliff Notes on stage as the Rep Studio Theatre presents their
final play of the season, Dostoyevsky's Crime and Punishment. The
trick is, playwrights Marilyn Campbell and Curt Columbus have trimmed
the massive work to 90 minutes with no intermission. I must admit that, although I used Cliff Notes on this work in college, I've read or read again many of the classics I either read or did not read during those high school and college days. This one is the exception- it's just too plodding and lengthy to attempt. But these two adapters have captured the essence of the dream-like story and have made it one of the most theatrical pieces in recent memory. Starting with the startling set- two levels of doors as a background with a mountain of wooden chairs piled on top of each other dominating the stage right area. This brilliant concept was the work of set designer Gianni Downs. Then the creative and stark lighting design of Brian Sidney Bembridge adds to the ethereal mood. Finally the often jarring sound design of Andre Pluess and superb costumes of Garth Dunbar complete this truly eerie concept. Then the outstanding actors complete this powerful drama. Jimmy King as the haunted Raskolnikov simply commands the play. From his troubled soliloquys to his crazed murder scenes, he never falters. Triney Sandoval is equally potent as the relentless Inspector along with several other characters he plays throughout. Also playing several roles, but mainly the sympathetic Sonia, Amy Landon is also remarkable. Director Stuart Carden has not only squeezed every bit of power from this Dostoyevsky adaptation but has brought sheer theatricality to every aspect of the production. Crime and Punishment may not be for everybody- but if you want to see the real power of live theatre, this is the one. Crime and Punishment plays at the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis Studio Theatre through March 28th. This is Steve Allen with the latest in theatre in St. Louis for CLASSIC99. |
||