RunnerReviewOne

February 8, 2005

Brevard Little Theatre Play a Delight, Triumph
Doris Whalen
Special to the Times-News

   Sy Berg has proven himself again as a first-rate director. The play, “The
Runner Stumbles,” at Brevard Little Theatre is a showcase for many of the
regulars at this small community theater but a resounding triumph for a newcomer
(to us), Robin Raines Elliot. She plays the lead character, Sister Rita, in this
thought-provoking, if dated, play about religion and human emotions and conflicts.

   This is not a "whodunnit", though the audience is asked not to divulge the
ending. It is a psychological delving into the very real conflicts between what we
as humans think we should do and what we want. From the moment that the stern
Father Rivard meets the effervescent Sister Rita and she becomes more and more
a part of his life at the rectory, the sexual tension between them builds.   Father
Rivard, a grueling role played by Ashley Summerrow, is almost a stereotype of
the repressed Catholic who has tried to ignore all his human emotions to serve a
vengeful God. Sister Rita is the very antithesis of his character. She is full of life
and joy and has all of the enthusiasm and spontaneity that this young priest used to
have and was punished for by his superiors.

   The stark set, also designed by Sy Berg, is a reflection of the starkness of the
lives of the people living in this remote, cold region of the Upper Peninsula of
Michigan. The set consists of two tables and chairs and a small bench. The 32
scenes are done without interruption and very cleverly by simple movement of a
chair or two. But the most effective design is the lighting. By spotlighting the
action on the stage while the rest is in shadow, it allows this very simple set to
work.

   Joe Narsavage is visually right as the prosecutor. The old defending attorney,
Bob Singdahlsen, is the personification of a small-town lawyer, not used to
defending such high-profile criminal cases. Singdahlsen creates the role
perfectly. He is likeable and funny. Dede Hunter, as the housekeeper in the
rectory and Natalie Smith, as the unhappy wife of an abusive husband, and a torn
former Catholic married outside of the church, are to be commended. Tessa
Martin, as a young woman asked to testify in the trial against the young priest for
the murder of the nun, is also totally believable in her own contradictions. Bob
Stacy, as the Monsignor Nicholson, shows to us, once again, his very versatile
talent. His resonant voice is as appropriate and effective as is his demeanor.

   The action goes back and forth from flashbacks to the present trial. Based on an
actual event in western Michigan in 1911, the plot gradually unfolds until the final
dramatic climax. The redemption of the priest by this tiny, vivacious nun is the
crux of the play and will move the most unreligious audience member. This is an
example of challenging community theater.

   “The Runner Stumbles” will be presented by Brevard Little Theatre at 8 p.m.
Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays in the Barn Theater on the Brevard
College campus. Performances will continue through Feb. 20. Tickets are $12.
For more information or to make reservations, call 884-2587 or 884-7003.