VICTORIAN PLAYERS 'Angel Street' evokes some suspense in old-fashioned way
The mystery takes place in the 1880s and involves a wealthy family.
By L. CROW
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
If you are longing for a good, old-fashioned Victorian thriller, Victorian Players is the place to be. "Angel Street" is now playing, and it will keep you on the edge of your seat until the end.
This slow-moving melodrama meticulously unwinds, feeding the audience information in small bites as the suspense continues to grow. And while the outcome may seem obvious, you can expect some surprises, too.
The play takes place in an 1880s sitting room of the well-to-do Manninghams. Mr. Manningham is cruel and vicious to his mentally feeble wife, who believes she may be going insane, like her mother before her. Nancy is the young and flirtatious maid, and Elizabeth is the mature and loyal servant. Inspector Rough shows up out of nowhere, but is he to be trusted?
We learn that a murder has taken place years ago, and somehow the Manninghams have become part of it. There is also the question of the missing jewels.
But other questions arise. Who are these people? Is Mrs. Manningham really going insane or is she the clever one? Is Nancy part of the evil plot? Nothing is as it seems at first.
The cast
Molly Galano plays Mrs. Manningham, whose fearful and insecure demeanor keeps the audience in grips. Galano never ceases to astound us with her talent and amazing versatility, playing everything from the wicked and domineering Nurse Ratched in "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest" to the confused housewife in the slapstick comedy "Move Over, Mrs. Markham." Galano's performance in "Angel Street" is brilliant.
Equally impressive is Dr. Robert Secrist as the sinister Mr. Manningham. This role, and the task of directing, was originally to be performed by John Thompson, but a family obligation forced him to withdraw. Dr. Secrist stepped in on a week's notice, and the play went on without a hitch.
Terri Labedz, who has recently become a familiar face with Victorian Players, is the little tart, Nancy. She keeps us wondering until the very end the nature of her relationship to Mr. Manningham.
Pat Schauweker, who has been with Victorian Players since its first play, took the role of Elizabeth. We think we know what she is about, but does she have other hidden motives?
John Dalbec, another regular at Victorian Players, is Inspector Rough. He seems too good to be true, and we find ourselves searching for hints of deception.
Exceptional costuming
Not only does the chemistry of all these actors bring enjoyment to this performance, the visual aspects are noteworthy. The costumes are exquisite.
Mrs. Manningham wears a beautiful creamy dress with layers of lace and a hairpiece of abundant locks. Nancy's "going-out" dress, in bright red with black lace with a little black bonnet, sets off Labedz's natural beauty. The men wear tailored suits and sophisticated, flowing capes. The set is also visually stimulating.
Victorian Players fills a unique niche in the local theater community.
If you enjoy period pieces, a step apart from modern comedies, dramas and musicals, you will enjoy this one. It continues next weekend: Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.