'Green Meadows' lays bare intense emotions
Prepare to be carried away by the intensity of emotion during the Star Bar Players' new production of "Murder in Green Meadows." The excellent four-member cast and Douglas Post's turning, twisting script will see to that.
And afterward, prepare to enjoy picking holes in the plot, which is nowhere near as tight as it initially seems. But you'll have to take that task on yourselves, because I don't want to spoil any of this entertaining thriller's many surprises.
The setting is Green Meadows, a bucolic suburban community that developer Thomas Devereaux had built about a year ago. He and his wife Joan have finally moved in - occupying the first house built on the site - and there are hints that they had some dark reason for leaving their previous home.
They're befriended by Carolyn and Jeff Symons. She's extremely smart but psychologically fragile; he's an Irish Setter kind of guy, uncomplicated and friendly.
It's an ensemble piece, and director Kaleb Kohart and his cast delve deep.
Mark Hennessy almost out-does himself as Thomas Devereaux, bringing both range and rage to this controlling character. As Joan, Kim Ormston is a creature of pure feeling and sensation, following her desires regardless of the consequences. Their relationship is at the play's heart.
JaNae Stansbery gives a deep and assured performance as Carolyn, simultaneously exuding competence and fragility, while Thayne de Best's Jeff is somebody you'd like to have a beer with.
Aside from the intentionally bland-as-possible opening scenes, the pace is swift. And the small cast and single set increase the intensity and sense of a congested, hot-house world - the sort of environment that naturally gives birth to unnaturally intense emotions.
And this is the direction Post goes, conjuring shades of Alfred Hitchcock's psychological thrillers. But he crosses several lines along the way. Ultimately "Murder in Green Meadows" won't withstand much analysis, as Post neglects the logical in his quest for the psychological.
But that's a minor problem - as are the long gaps between scenes. They're necessary for costume changes, and at first they break the gathering momentum. But by Act 2, they're almost welcome: They give you more time to mull over what's happened, and what may yet happen.
DETAILS
Star Bar Players present "Murder in Green Meadows"
When: 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sunday; through March 29
Where: Lon Chaney Theatre, City Auditorium, 221 E. Kiowa St.
Tickets: $12/$15; 573-7411 or starbarplayers.org
