Next character is Alice (Elise Stone), who is a former actress and therefore she speaks very artistically and sarcastically. In the beginning of the play she is laying on the loveseat, and she so bored. And that is effective because these people are, in fact, isolated and their lives are tedious and shallow. For the most part she is repeating the same thing over again that she hates her husband and she wishes him dead. When she speaks these lines her voice becomes rough. The quality roughness is very effective way of speaking because she shows how much she hates her husband Edgar at the moment. Throughout the play she is very enthusiastic; she is running around, heating notes on piano, fighting with her husband, cooking (wears an apron), and playing cards eagerly. In the mist of running around she is been sexy with her cousin Curt (Jason Crowl). The way Alice looks at him, and been so flirtatious. So, Elise Stone has to play dualism because at some moments she is loving and kind and other time she is full of hate. An actress is mostly strong in her character but sometimes weak.
The last principle character is Curt (Jason Crowl). This character exists to make the couple react. It’s the most difficult part in this show. For the most part the actor does a good job. He is been heard, he is articulating well. The only thing that is ineffective about Curt that he stands with his back to the audience sometimes. Even in the representational theatre characters should not speak to a wall.
The set designed by Robert Klingelhoefer is incredibly dark and ugly, which must be the point. The proscenium stage is used for this production. The marble floor is sloped. A loveseat stands on the right down stage. It’s covered with a black slipcover. At the center there is hardwood table with two chairs on two sides. The chairs are focused on the audience. On the upper left stage there is a bar stand with glasses and beverages. On the upper right stage there is a piano turned backward to the audience. On the piano there are pictures in frames and candles in candle holder. On the back wall there is poster of rough sea that is captured in the golden frame, I think it’s to show isolation. And there are two TV, one stands in front of the loveseat (right down stage) and the other stands on the bar (upper left stage). These TV sets are there to show the front gates of the house. There are no doors; however there is an opening that goes to the bedroom and kitchen (not shown).
The lightning designed by Brian Aldous is dim and broaden for the most part. There are no changes in lightning from one character to another. Even when a character enters through the audience there is no focus of light. But, lights change when there is a moment of rage or love scene. Interestingly, the lights are focused on the poster. For example, when Alice told Curt that it is not his children, he is in rage. So the red light is fallen on the poster on the wall. Also, scenes change in darkness.
The costumes designed by Robin I. Shane are corresponding with characters roles. In the beginning we see Edgar that is dressed in the green Military Uniform. He is wearing boots. On the back of the boots there are metal spurs that are very effective when he walks. At some point he wears black pants and white short that’s when he is not in shape. He also got a military coat that he wears when he leaves home. Alice’s wardrobe is sexy and dressy. She wears black dress and white pearls, then robe with fur, and then red skirt. And Curt is dressed in tuxedo and a suit.
Overall, the play is ok, except it is really long for something that ends where it starts. The use of old woman it’s ineffective. But the use of TV sets is very effective. It shows contrast between old times and contemporary times.
