Director Mary Job has assembled a talented cast led by Rachael Steffens as would-be scientist Pearl. Ellie Weise is Aunt Flora, introducing a dash of religion and superstition. Caleb Tracy is Pearl’s rakish brother. Dillon Smith is the suspiciously benevolent doctor. Olivia Hines is “the Creature/Bride” and Mike Shalley and Wolf Hogan are Young Farleigh and Wee Farleigh — an amusingly contrasting set of servants.
Bartley Bauer’s period-yet-surreal set is enhanced by Chelle Peterson’s period costumes and spooky sound design, as well as Kelley McNabb’s properties and Nick Eaton’s lighting (full “dark and stormy night” plus some cool fog-enhanced dream sequences.) Andy Callis’s dialect coaching resulted in believably Scottish accents that were still understandable.
Director Mary Job is known for her thorough analysis of any script she tackles. I would advise reading her thoughtful Director’s Note both before AND after you see this strange and ultimately inspiring show. The debate about evolution and its devious cousin, eugenics, is intriguing. Mary has also included a helpful “Brief Note About Evolution and Eugenics” that sheds light on the ideas being tossed between Pearl and Dr. Reid.
Unexpectedly, The Humans, last night’s Peppermint Creek show, struck me as sharing common ground with this one— though in a completely different style — both consider how being human is a confusing struggle to accept, forgive and adapt.
$5 children & students
$10 seniors, LCC faculty/staff/alumni
$15 general seating
Tickets at the door or at: http://www.lcc.edu/showinfo
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LCCPerformingArts/
November 1-2, 8-9 @ 8 p.m.
November 10 @ 2 p.m.
(Student Sign Interpretation: Nov. 10)
Dart Auditorium, 500 N. Capitol Ave.