Anyone expecting a fun comedy at the Depot Theater Sept. 30 was in for a surprise as the dark plot of ‘The Mysterious Mr. Love? unraveled before captivated audience members.
Packed with intense subject matter and an ending that shocked most in the Depot Theater, ‘Mr. Love? was a stark contrast to ‘The Housekeeper,? the first play in the series of shorter productions for the Clarkston Village Players? 2004-2005 season.
And by all accounts, the unexpected plot twists were what helped make this play intriguing until the very end.
The story focuses around George Love (Dean Vanderkolk), a seasoned con man who makes a living by marrying helpless women and robs them of their money. His latest victim is Adelaide Pinchin (Amy Seaman), a dowdy assistant at a millinery shop in turn-of-the-century London. Adelaide falls prey to George’s smooth talking and caring demeanor and the two quickly marry after only a few days of knowing each other.
During the couple’s supposed ‘honeymoon,? Adelaide begins to put information together that leads her to believe her new husband is not everything he says he is.
Going any further with a plot description might give too many of the story’s secrets and surprises away?
What caught my attention first was the stark contrast this production’s set was in comparison to ‘The Housekeeper.? The set is almost bare except for a few chairs, a set of shelves and bed unit, a table and a window frame. All the pieces on stage are painted black and meant to be interchangeable to give a greater focus on the characters using them instead.
At first I was caught off guard by the barren set, but quickly realized its simplicity helped tell the characters? complicated stories well. All of my attention went straight to the characters before me instead of props placed about.
My favorite aspect of the play wasn’t one scene or a key moment in the plot; I was impressed with the very personal acting from both Vanderkolk and Seaman. Their characters often addressed the audience members as if they were talking to a friend or confidant. There was also a feeling of watching both characters on stage at once but going about two different sets of situations and feelings that ultimately pull the two together to change both of their lives.
Very often acting that requires one actor to pretend like the other isn’t there can look silly. This wasn’t the case with ‘Mr. Love.? The well-timed blocking seemed natural and reflected the sense of desperation both characters felt to some degree.
I was very impressed with the way Vanderkolk and Seaman delivered some of the play’s more serious subject matter.
Dealing with such personal topics such as outward appearances, family ties and sexual relationships is something that touches many people, and thus, makes the play more connectable for the audience. Comedies and love stories are always enjoyable and well received, but drama and thrillers are genres that are a great avenue to really make one stop, think and analyze a story unfolding before them.
The lighting plan for the play moved fluidity throughout the play as the story called for numerous changes and different approaches to convey the actors? moods. Congratulations to the brave individual managing the light board behind the scenes.
I would recommend taking in ‘The Mysterious Mr. Love? before the production’s short run ends. Director Rikki Schwartz described the play to me during rehearsals as a ‘taut thriller.? I couldn’t agree more. Just be prepared for the ending.
Remaining show dates are Oct. 7-9. Tickets are available by calling (248) 625-8811 and are also for sale at Tierra Fine Jewelry at 64 S. Main St. in Clarkston.
For more information, please visit www.clarkstonvillageplayers.org.