BWW Reviews: Theatre Lab's Intense THE PILLOWMAN

I've seen three of Martin McDonagh's plays, and I can honestly say that each has been a genuine corker. They're beyond dark at times, but filled with an offbeat sense of humor that often makes you care more about a character than think you, perhaps, should. It's a part of their charm, at least for the ones I've been privileged to see. McDonagh also brings a real sense of humanity to his creations, and that's especially evident in the Theatre Lab's amazing production of his harrowing, often horrific work, The Pillowman. Seeing this production offers an intense experience enhanced greatly by the moody compositions of Luke Viertel, and the graphic artistry and illustrations of Aaron Allen. Combined, these elements along with sharp direction and a crackerjack cast, provide a spellinbinding evening of theatre.

Katurian is a writer whose craft takes him into the shocking realm of abusive behavior that is often directed toward children. It's an outgrowth of his upbringing, which he reveals as a more of a psychological experiment than a true life. But now his murderous tales are starting to come true. He faces the real life tortures concocted by two policeman, Tupolski and Ariel (good cop/bad cop, or is it the other way around?) who are willing to do what it takes to pull forth some kind of confessional.

Jason C. Kliefisch compels you to understand him as Katurian. He's more complex than he's letting on. But, as the stories, like very grim fairy tales, begin to unfold, a sense of clarity begins to take shape. His time spent with his disabled brother, Michal, who has also been locked away, is telling, and Nick Kelly seems subtly to run the gamut of emotions during this bracing moment. Darian Michael Garey is strong as Ariel, ready to hook a car battery up to Katurian, but also willing to listen and see how his own abusive childhood could color his outlook. Eric Dean White is cool and collected as Tupolski, and his efforts pay off in unexpected ways.

There's a Kafkaesque sense of desperation at the unbending hand of a totalitaian state (think "The Trial"), and that's a different but strangely effective place for McDonagh's stark stunner. When you put that on stage with a fine illustrator's concepts of Katrurian's tales.(rather than having them acted out as other productions have done), in addition to some terrific performances, you wind up with something truly special.

Ryan Foizey's direction is expertly conceived and provides audiences with a truly tense evening of entertainment. There's an air of electricity between these actors, and that adds considerably. It's also brilliant to have Katurian's stories graphically interpreted and displayed in projected images (courtesy of Aaron Allen). Michelle Sauer's painting of scenic designer Rob Lippert's simple and grimly effective work, also adds to the atmosphere. Marcy Weigert's costumes are good fits for each character, and James Slover moodily lights the proceedings.

If you can, you must check out Theatre Lab's mesmerizing take on The Pillowman. It's truly inspired, and it plays at the Gaslight Theatre through June 7, 2015.

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