Horror, politely, in ‘Nightmare Suite’
|
Version 0 of 1. “I tell you — you can’t imagine what the thing is really like!” gasps a man who has disappeared into a cavern in “Lovecraft: Nightmare Suite,” a nostalgic, small-scaled creep show that aims to be Molotov Theatre’s Halloween treat. The 65-minute performance in the roughly 50 seat District of Columbia Arts Center is basically a mild-mannered period piece, notwithstanding the ax murder that comes about halfway through. (A small girl was in attendance at Saturday night’s opening, and afterward she seemed none the worse for wear.) Dan Spurgeon has adapted some mid-20th century horror stories by H.P. Lovecraft, and the storytelling is marked by a gentlemanly, clinical foreboding. Beware: That writing style can be death on actors. The show starts hopefully in a Rod Serling key, with Alex Zavistovich as a formal storyteller who actually lights a spooky fuse by lingering over certain phrases and cocking an eyebrow in wonder. From there, though, Jay D. Brock’s show is most alive in its design, particularly in the nice gloomy projections by set designer Rachel Marie Wallace that flicker across a makeshift screen. That screen metamorphoses imaginatively as Spurgeon’s script spins through about a half dozen Lovecraft scenarios involving ghosts, unseen monsters and disappearing cats. Hands spin on a giant animated clock, the screen turns into huge strips of fabric strapped like a giant web over the stage — the DCAC stage may be tiny, but here it is ingeniously used. The mood is spot-on, but there is little to act. Lovecraft’s Poe-like vignettes are narrated, and the narration too often results in a fevered yet monotone drone from the cast. There is an art to this kind of talking. It takes more blood. By Dan Spurgeon, adapted from the works of H.P. Lovecraft. Directed by Jay D. Brock. Lights, Leigh Mumford; costumes, Jesse Shipley; composer/sound design, Gregory Thomas Martin. With Elizabeth Darby, Elliott Kashner, Brian McDermott and Jennifer Restak. About 65 minutes. Through Nov. 8 at the District of Columbia Arts Center, 2438 18th St. NW. Tickets $20-$25. Call 301-292-7538 or visit www.molotovtheatre.org |