BLT's "The Murder Game" is a
Spine Tingler
A Review by Marvin Barg (published in the Transylvania Times on Monday,
March 24. See scanned copy below.)
Lovers of psychological thrillers, take note: Brevard Little Theatre’s production of
“The Murder Game” will be just your cup of tea. From the pen of British playwright
Constance Cox, the story revolves around the troubled marriage of Brian and
Sheila Hamilton.
Brian is a retired race-car driver who still basks in his own faded glory and lives
very well on Sheila’s money, even as he finds the adoration he is constantly
seeking in the arms of another woman. Sheila finds out, is understandably miffed,
and decides to divorce Brian and – here’s the kicker – cut him off financially.
Brian, now very upset about his impending misfortune, has a chance encounter
with a mysterious young man. The young man learns of Brian’s predicament and
suggests that Brian would be much better off if Sheila were to die. The young
man further suggests a “foolproof” murder scheme that he would be willing to
carry out just for the thrill of committing the perfect murder. Brian’s reaction to this
proposal ignites a chain of events that builds tension all the way to the final scene.
Gregory Dickens plays the role of Brian. Dickens was seen last fall on the BLT
stage as District Attorney Flint in “The Night of January 16th” and, as in that
previous performance, he brings a solidity and coherence to the character that is
quite satisfying. He portrays Brian as a very self-contained man, and he manages
to convey Brian’s emotional deterioration without resorting to hysterics.
Lyn O’Hare delivers a fine performance as Sheila Hamilton, with many nuances of
expression, gesture and body language that make her character totally believable.
BLT audiences will remember O’Hare’s strong performance last spring as Lotty
Wilton in “Enchanted April.” Her performance as Sheila is at least as good, if not
better.
Ray Huth is both charming and chilling in his portrayal of the young, cold-blooded
sociopath, Gerry Stephens. Huth did an outstanding job last year in the role of
Stanley Jerome in “Broadway Bound.” With his characterization of Gerry, he
delivers a performance that is mature well beyond his years.
Rounding out this talented cast is Laine Lewis as ‘the other woman,’ June
Maitland. A few years back, Lewis delighted audiences as feisty parolee Percy
Talbott in the musical “The Spitfire Grill” (the last show produced in the Barn).
She brings that same energy to the role of June, who she portrays as a naïve but
smart young woman who knows a rat when she smells one.
Darien Aiken, who both produced and directed this show, is to be commended for
putting together a top-notch production. The set is attractive and works well
dramatically, and the action flows seamlessly throughout the entire performance.
“The Murder Game” is being performed at the Cherokee Room Theater in the
Connestee Falls Clubhouse at 8 p.m. on Friday, March 28 and Saturday, March
29, and at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 30. For reservations call 884-2587, or stop
by the BLT ticket office at 321 South Caldwell (behind the TCarts building)
10 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Thursday or Friday. For pre-show dinner reservations at the
Connestee Falls Overlook Clubhouse call 884-5622.
Spine Tingler
A Review by Marvin Barg (published in the Transylvania Times on Monday,
March 24. See scanned copy below.)
Lovers of psychological thrillers, take note: Brevard Little Theatre’s production of
“The Murder Game” will be just your cup of tea. From the pen of British playwright
Constance Cox, the story revolves around the troubled marriage of Brian and
Sheila Hamilton.
Brian is a retired race-car driver who still basks in his own faded glory and lives
very well on Sheila’s money, even as he finds the adoration he is constantly
seeking in the arms of another woman. Sheila finds out, is understandably miffed,
and decides to divorce Brian and – here’s the kicker – cut him off financially.
Brian, now very upset about his impending misfortune, has a chance encounter
with a mysterious young man. The young man learns of Brian’s predicament and
suggests that Brian would be much better off if Sheila were to die. The young
man further suggests a “foolproof” murder scheme that he would be willing to
carry out just for the thrill of committing the perfect murder. Brian’s reaction to this
proposal ignites a chain of events that builds tension all the way to the final scene.
Gregory Dickens plays the role of Brian. Dickens was seen last fall on the BLT
stage as District Attorney Flint in “The Night of January 16th” and, as in that
previous performance, he brings a solidity and coherence to the character that is
quite satisfying. He portrays Brian as a very self-contained man, and he manages
to convey Brian’s emotional deterioration without resorting to hysterics.
Lyn O’Hare delivers a fine performance as Sheila Hamilton, with many nuances of
expression, gesture and body language that make her character totally believable.
BLT audiences will remember O’Hare’s strong performance last spring as Lotty
Wilton in “Enchanted April.” Her performance as Sheila is at least as good, if not
better.
Ray Huth is both charming and chilling in his portrayal of the young, cold-blooded
sociopath, Gerry Stephens. Huth did an outstanding job last year in the role of
Stanley Jerome in “Broadway Bound.” With his characterization of Gerry, he
delivers a performance that is mature well beyond his years.
Rounding out this talented cast is Laine Lewis as ‘the other woman,’ June
Maitland. A few years back, Lewis delighted audiences as feisty parolee Percy
Talbott in the musical “The Spitfire Grill” (the last show produced in the Barn).
She brings that same energy to the role of June, who she portrays as a naïve but
smart young woman who knows a rat when she smells one.
Darien Aiken, who both produced and directed this show, is to be commended for
putting together a top-notch production. The set is attractive and works well
dramatically, and the action flows seamlessly throughout the entire performance.
“The Murder Game” is being performed at the Cherokee Room Theater in the
Connestee Falls Clubhouse at 8 p.m. on Friday, March 28 and Saturday, March
29, and at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 30. For reservations call 884-2587, or stop
by the BLT ticket office at 321 South Caldwell (behind the TCarts building)
10 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Thursday or Friday. For pre-show dinner reservations at the
Connestee Falls Overlook Clubhouse call 884-5622.
