Seattle Review: The Devil and Daniel Webster

Remember when entertainment for children had a dark edge to it? Those born prior to 1990 are likely to have read and seen some delightfully scary stuff. Kiddy fare today is full of colorfully safe material that acts more like a babysitter than a storyteller. After some curiously commercial choices, Seattle Children's Theatre reminds us that being frightened can be fun with Robert Schenkkan's solid adaptation of The Devil and Daniel Webster.

Adapted from Stephen Vincent Benet's classic story, Robert Schenkkan's precise play script vividly captures this eerie tale. Set in New Hampshire/>/> in 1829, we find Jabez Stone (Lathrop Walker) selling his soul to the devil (Sean G. Griffin) in exchange for 7 years of prosperity. Jabez gets cold feet as the date of his soul taking nears, and enlists the help of Daniel Webster (Peter Crook) to break the deal. A trial of epic proportions ensues as the devil assembles a jury of history's most infamous sinners. 

Schenkkan never shies away from the unavoidable darkness of Benet's story. He has his narrator Spark (Alban Dennis) speaking in prose full of hilarious contemporary references that keep the story fresh. Dennis is really the glue of this production, and gives an otherworldly performance. His presence prevents the text from becoming overwhelming, especially in a talkative Act II. Schenkkan's work is gripping throughout, and knows just when to relieve us with a big laugh. 

Director Rita Giomi keeps the mood appropriately frightful. What is most impressive about this production is its ability to reveal an important moral in a chillingly ominous way. The themes of the text are told mostly through mood rather than preachy exposition that less capable artists often fall victim to. The production plays like a pantomime, with the heavy dialogue acting as an accent rather than a focal point. 

As the devil Scratch, Sean G. Griffin owns every moment he is on stage. He gives a commanding performance that is physically and vocally perfect. His calm disposition is flavored with outbursts of pure anger. His sinisterly silent moments only make it more chilling when he begins to speak. Walker/>/> does well with Jabez, and brilliantly evokes the internal struggle of a man full of moral dilemmas. A last minute replacement, Crook gives another capable performance as Daniel Webster. He is sure to grow as he settles into the role. 

There are only a few missteps in this stellar production. Giomi is never able to make the second half as gripping as the first. Some static movement looks out of place when compared to the fluid brilliance of the beginning. The big courtroom scene isn't as thrilling as the early material. Still, the mood she establishes at the start manages to remain. As the woman Jebez gives his soul for, Carol Roscoe never makes much of an impression. She seems woefully miscast, and struggles with an awkward accent that is quite inconsistent. Her lack of chemistry with the irresistible Walker/>/> is also alarming. We are never quite convinced why Jabez sacrifices so much for temporary happiness.

Matthew Smucker's stunning scenic design feels as if it has been ripped from the pages of a book. Full of tombstones and revelations, his work is one of the many highlights of this strong production. Michael Wellborn's lighting design is appropriately gloomy, giving immense texture to the story.  Chris R. Walker's sound design adds congruous tension to an already gripping presentation. The design team constantly surprises with their innovative and text specific techniques. 

SCT has done a magnificent job adapting this fragile story of moral conundrums. They never underestimate how smart their young audience is, and provide something full of intelligence. The Devil and Daniel Webster is an artistic achievement that makes one eager to be scared again. Fear is an unavoidable part of life, and SCT is to be commended for not shying away from a darkly important tale. 

The Devil and Daniel Webster runs through April 1^st at Seattle/>/> Children's Theatre. For tickets call (206) 441-3322, or visit www.sct.org

All Photos by Chris Bennion

Top: Alban Dennis as Spark

Middle: Sean G. Griffin as Scratch and Lathrop Walker as Jabez Stone

Bottom: Lathrop Walker as Jabez Stone, Sean G. Griffin as Scratch, and Alban Dennis as Spark

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