THE PLAY: The citizens of a small town stage a production “St Joan.” Meanwhile, the management politics at the local cheese factory twist into a somewhat transparent murder mystery.

 

THE PRODUCTION: Lanford Wilson has written a number of successful plays, but this isn’t one of them. It’s crammed with characters and inane plotting. This production starts at a nice clip with the actors narrating in a presentational style. Soon after that, director Leslie Cline lets the pace slow and never manages any variety or dramatic intensity. Act Two is especially labored. With a few exceptions, the cast “acts” more than inhabits their roles (and some don’t match their script’s description ). There isn’t really a set, just a black space with minimal props. while the lighting washes the area.

 

THE POINT: This ambitious production makes an earnest effort, but the rambling play, uneven performances and bland direction conspire against it.

 

(1.5 / 5)

 

At CAT Theatre thru 2/7