Review Roundup: CREDITORS at American Players Theatre - What Did The Critics Think?

CREDITORS runs at American Players Theatre through November 19. The play was written by August Strindberg, with this version of the show by David Greig.

Adolph has made a new friend; a mentor of sorts who seeks to guide him both on his artistic ventures and in matters of his marriage to the charming, vivacious Tekla, who is older than Adolph. It quickly becomes apparent that this new friend - Gustav - may have some ulterior motives, as Adolph and Tekla's relationship becomes more and more fraught due to Gustav's influence and Adolph's own insecurities. A dark and chilling psychological experiment played out on the Touchstone stage.

The cast stars Marcus Truschinski as Adolph, Jim DeVita as Gustav, and Trace Michelle Arnold as Tekla. CREDITORS is directed by Maria Aitken, with costume and scenic design by Robert Morgan, lighting design by Jason Fassl, and sound design by Lindsay Jones.

Let's see what thec ritics had to say!

Gwendolyn Rice, The Isthmus: This extraordinary character study is a difficult way to end the season, but it's also like watching a master class with three of APT's most gifted actors. Core Company Members Jim DeVita, Tracy Michelle Arnold, and Marcus Truschinski each turn in stunning performances as the expert manipulator and his prey... Underneath the psychological warfare, sound designer Lindsay Jones has placed a faint beating heart and the rhythmic pounding of the resort's ocean waves, reminding the audience of the fragility of our physical and emotional selves.

Mike Fischer, The Journal Sentinel: Ultimately, "Creditors" is less a play about what's wrong with women than why their insecure and immature men can't better love them. It doesn't endorse misogyny, but brilliantly dissects it - while suggesting by play's end that Tekla might deserve more credit than either of her men can give.

Lindsay Christians, The Capital Times: Tense, interior plays like this serve the smaller Touchstone space, showing off the chemistry of performers who've worked together for years. Under Aitken's direction, Truschinski, DeVita and Arnold keep the action tightly controlled, as Gustav insinuates himself into a marriage that's already faltering... Without giving too much away, the ending of "Creditors" feels awkward, a reach toward melodrama that doesn't quite pay off. But Greig's translation is clear without diluting Strindberg's ideas about the thorny give and take in an intimate relationship.

Photo: Liz Lauren

 

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