Nothing is Perfect, but This Isn't too Bad
Written: Apr 18 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Ms. Russell is energetic and believable
Cons: Play changes course midway through second act
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| habla's Full Review: Perfect Crime |
You have the time, the money and the desire to see a play. You also have had it with the long line at Duffy Square to get the two for one tickets to your favorite show. Don't despair. Right across the street from the long lines of Duffy Square is a little theater (Duffy Theater) that is housing a slick little mystery, The Perfect Crime.
The play is about the murder of a psychiatrist allegedly by his wife, who is also a psychiatrist. The other characters in the play are a detective who falls in love with the not so "good" doctor, a patient with cross dressing habits, and the doctor's lover who is impersonating the deceased doctor. The scenery is very basic, one set, the living room of the Drs Brent (Both the murdered and the suspect). One very large aspect of the play is a painting on the fireplace wall (the bricks are painted) and the playbill has a print of the picture on the back jacket. Also, the snacks that are frequently set out by the good doctor is vital.
The action is not overt, and you have to piece the story together from the clues in the dialogue. If you miss any portion of the dialogue, you will truly be lost. Also, the time sequencing is very important. Make sure that you read the playbill to follow the clock, as this play takes the course of one week.
The most intriguing character is the female psychiatrist, Dr. Margaret Thorn Brent, played by Kathy Russell. Dr. Brent is obviously a powerful woman, "Are you intimidated by an aggressive woman?", she asks (points out to) of the police detective, who possesses vast amounts of energy, and is on the brink of a nervous breakdown, due to her role in "The Perfect Crime".
The sheer energy of Ms. Russell makes this play worthwhile to watch. Ms. Russell is also rumored to be prepared to step down from this role after holding it from opening night 14 years ago. She's only missed four performances in that entire run, so if you wish to see her perform get to the show now.
The play is not easy to follow, and those who are used to grand stages and grandiose stories may find themselves challenged to remain focussed on this play that hinges so critically upon dialogue. This is not clearly the ideal play for everyone, and there are a few twists in the end. There are other shortcomings that the casual theater goer may encounter mostly pertaining to the script itself. Again, if you don't pay attention to the dialogue, you'll be asking yourself, "What happened?".
The upside of this play is the dynamic performance by Ms. Russell. Her portrayal of the hard driven, caustic, doctor is magnificent. The close proximity of the seats to the stage is another plus. Every nuance of expression and innuendo is easy to follow. You also can see the mounting tension builing in Ms. Russell, and her eventual weakening under the pressure of her complicity in "The Perfect Crime".
Is the play perfect, no. What it remains is a clever little mystery with a superior performance by Ms. Russell. She alone is worth the $20 you'll have to spend for admission.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
habla
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Member: Jeff
Location: Long Island, New York
Reviews written: 38
Trusted by: 8 members
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