Review: The Rep's Moody and Engaging Production of DOUBLE INDEMNITY

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis closes their season with a bang, literally, presenting a dramatically atmospheric production of novelist James M. Cain's classic work, Double Indemnity (lovingly adapted by David Pichette and R. Hamilton Wright). It's a script that overflows with double entendres, and is populated by the kind of hard boiled characters you would expect from this famous piece of pulp fiction. It even manages to outdo Billy Wilder's film noir version to a degree because it doesn't have to deal with the censor's deep cuts that left the movie a lot less racy and edgy than the book. Suffice to say, this is an incredibly cool, and surprisingly amusing, presentation that is another example of the kind of must-see theatre the Rep consistently produces.

When insurance agent Walter Huff happens by the Herbert Nirlinger household to inquire about an expiring auto policy, he meets Herbert's fetching wife, Phyllis. Sparks fly almost immediately between the pair, and in no time they're hatching a scheme whereby Herbert will unwittingly sign off on an accident policy only to get bumped off by the couple for the cash payout. It's a clever plan wherein Herbert will appear to have tumbled off a train due to a fractured ankle. But, Herbert isn't actually even going to board the train. Naturally, things don't go as smoothly as planned, and the plot begins to take a number of surprising twists and turns.

David Christopher Wells gives an exceptional performance as the world weary and laconic Huff. He's quick as a whip with his deadpan quips, and horny as a hound dog in heat. Gardner Reed is the wacky Phyllis, who vacillates initially, before plunging into the scheme wholeheartedly. Reed and Wells have an interesting chemistry, and that makes their interactions especially entertaining to watch. Kevin Cutts is good as the victim, Herbert, and Joy Farmer-Clary makes a nice impression as his ditzy, but faithful daughter, Lola. Michael Sean McGuinness is sharp as Huff's mentor at the insurance firm, Keyes. He smells a rat once the deed is done and the claim goes through. Carrie Vaughan shines in a small role as Nettie, while Eddie Boroevich tackles the key roles of Nino Sachetti (Lola's on again, off again boyfriend), Jackson (a train passenger who spots Nirlinger) and Norton (a fellow insurance agent who suspects either suicide or murder in the case).

Michael Evan Haney's direction makes the most of this moody drama, while mining the script for unexpected laughs. He's aided in his work by the period costumes of David Kay Mickelsen, the expressionistic lighting of James Sale, and the phenomenal revolving scenic design of Paul Shortt. Matthew M. Nielson contributes the sound design and composes a number of musical selections that add to the overall noir effect.

Double Indemnity is a real gem and shouldn't be missed. It continues on the main stage of the Loretto-Hilton through April 7, 2013.

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