” A Mile In The Dark”

[rating=3]Who doesn’t love a good mystery? I watch most of the TV dramas that one might consider a mystery and I am quick to see any mystery movie. We tend to focus on the mystery and as an audience member, find the answer or solution. Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, that cozy little storefront just South of Senn High School on Ridge always brings us quality theater. They are a small venue with loads of talented women and part of their message is that Rivendell Theatre “It’s Women’s Work”, as most of their productions are centered on either women writers, directors and or story lines. I believe their current mystery, in its World Premiere, “A Mile In The Dark” meets all of the above.

The play is written by Emily Schwend and directed by Georgette Verdin. The story is about a woman who is found dead and her relationship with her step-daughter, among others. I will mention that they had some lighting tech problems on opening night, but not enough to worry the actors or alter the storyline and progression of the 1 hour and forty -nine minutes ( no intermission) of storytelling. The production is partnered with Interrobang Theatre Project whose aim is to produce plays that will pose interesting and worthwhile as well as exciting questions that will challenge our understanding and assumptions of who we are in this world in which  we live . I am of the opinion that the challenge was met, although I firmly feel that everyone who left the theater tonight was not as clear as one might expect when a story is over.

That being said, I will tell you that the set (Lindsay Mummert) was lovely as the kitchen in the home of Roger ( marvelous character brought to life by Keith Kupferer). The same set with minor alterations later became a club and  a funeral parlor , but with no changes. I watched some other audience members look confused. This might have been aided with one or two small alterations in order to change the appearance. There were blackouts to take us from scene to scene, so why not another item? There was also a place in the play where Jess ( the stepdaughter played to perfection by Laura Berner Taylor) and her old friend Kayla (Liz Sharpe) are in a club and a video is played for her. We don’t hear the tape and what Roger said on the news, as she is given ear buds. Why are we not privy to the words? Would it not make us more alert for the ending that Schwend throws our way?

The other characters in the story are David ( William Anthony Sebastian Rose II ( his name is longer than his stage time) , Jess’ “boyfriend” and Anthony (Matthew Martinez Hannon), the funeral director.

The story is a basic one in that Jess comes home from a European trip for her step-mother’s funeral. She dies by accident ( or was it an accident?). Her father is very upset and has let everything go to pot. As they prepare for the funeral little things come out that get Jess to thinking about what might have taken place. Did her stepmother take her own life? Everyone loved Carol, who had been a school teacher in the past. I will not divulge the ending but will tell you that when the play is over, you will know more about Carol and will get a glimpse of what transpired right before she went missing. I am unsure of how you will take the final scene and if you will believe that the mystery is resolved!

On the tech side, in addition to the set, hats off to the prop person (Bren Coombs) and the costumer (Gregory Graham) as well as the sound design by Erik Siegling. The other Eric, Eric Watkins lighting design was great , but these things are complicated and far too much electronics instead of how we did it back in the 60’s and 70’s ( when I was a stage electrician).

“A Mile In The Dark” will continue at Rivendell Theatre located at 5779 Ridge Avenue thru December 11th with performances as follows:

Thursdays  8 p.m.

Fridays  8 p.m.

Saturdays  4 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Sundays  3 p.m.

NOTE: NO performances on November 19th and November 24th (Turkey Day)

added performances: Monday, November 28th at 8 p.m.  (INDUSTRY NIGHT  $15 tix)

                                               Wednesday, December 7th  at 8 p.m.

Tickets $35 ($25 seniors,) students, educators and current military can get special rates by e-mailing boxoffice@rivendelltheatre.org

Tickets are available at www.rivendelltheatre.org and/or interrobangtheatreproject.org or call 773-334-7728

Mask are to be worn for the entire production.

Parking is available at Senn High School lot Off Thorndale Avenue ( about one block from the theater).

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com , go to Review Round-Up and click at “A Mile In The dark”.

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