“Gaslight”

• Denying facts: “That never happened; you must be imagining things”. 

  *****This is the definition that will help you understand a great deal more about this marvelous production that Northlight Theatre is presenting on the  North Theater stage of The North Shore Center for the Performing Arts. This version, unlike the one that recently played at nearby Oil Lamp Theater is a turn-of-the-century, rather than the modern version or even the film versions of the 1940’s. Playwright, Steven Dietz “Gaslight” , while based on the original play by Patrick Hamilton, has made a few turns here and there, and with the smooth direction by Jessica Thebus, on a glorious set designed by  Collette Pollard, and gorgeous period costuming by Raquel Adomo, this is one that I strongly suggest you find a way to fit into your busy holiday schedules.

  While this is the “holiday” season and many of our area theaters are doing holiday plays, I am happy that Northlight opted to do a play that allows us to think and at the same time enjoy a bit of mystery. Our story revolves around Jack ( a clever interpretation by Chicago favorite Lawrence Grimm) and his wife, Belle ( played to perfection by Cheyenne Casebier). They have what appears to be the perfect marriage. Bella starts to question some of what is happening around her, and convinces herself that something sinister has taken place.

  Is there something that Jack is hiding from her? Why is his desk drawer locked and why has he demanded she never attempt to open the drawer? Why are the staff members afraid to talk openly about their feelings? Why is Nancy ( Janyce Carabello) so close to Jack? Why does Bella think she hears footsteps in the halls at night? Is she mad? Or is she being “played” by her husband?

  I will not give any of the mystery that is contained in this two hour ( with an intermission) mystery that also has some comic touches with the servants   I loved Elizabeth ( deftly handled by Kathy Scambiatterra) and even though the police officer, Sergeant Rough ( played to perfection by Timothy Edward Kane) is there to answer a number of the questions and doubts of Bella, Kane is quite funny. He almost makes you think of Peter Sellers in “The Pink Panther”.

  For the most part, this is the cast of players. and while three are on the stage most of the time, Nancy and Elizabeth are important to the story and in bringing out some of the facts. There are two other players in this story- the police officers who come in right before the story ends- Gavin Rhys and Nathan Reilly.

  If you enjoy a good mystery, you will adore this one. If you like twists and turns making it difficult to predict what will happen next, this is one that will keep you into the story and the characters from start to finish. As I said, this is not the modern version, but is a taut story with solid acting and a picture that will capture your attention. This is not one where you can doze off.

  On the tech side, in addition to the direction, set and costumes, credit must be given to the properties person ( Ivy Thomas), the lighting person ( JR Lederie) and the sound design ( Andre Pluess). I do think that it would not hurt to have the actors wear small microphones so that those sitting in the upper seats don’t miss any of the importance of the script. This is one to enjoy!

” Gaslight” will continue thru   Jan 4th with performances as follows: