BWW Reviews: LUCIFER DESCENDING - A Modern Morality Play at MBS Productions

What if hell was not present to solely torture and punish people, but also existed to instruct mankind to follow God and his commandments, and behave in a righteous manner? This is the fascinating premise of Mark-Brian Sonna's modern morality play, Lucifer Descending, currently being presented by MBS Productions.

In Lucifer Descending, Lucifer displays to Seth, the third son of Adam and Eve, some of the denizens who dwell in hell for eternity and the reason they are there. It is quite obvious that Mr. Sonna researched thoroughly the gruesome tales that were presented. The tales of the various inhabitants were presented in a highly chargEd Manner. Each condemned person outlined his tale with a multitude of gruesome facts which created an heinous effect of the highest order. The first act concluded with the horrific story of Elizabeth Bathory, a medieval woman who had a most heinous method to seek eternal youth.

The performances were all fine. Special note must be given to Dylan Peck, who brought a distinctive avant-garde quality to his interpretation of King John, and Sara "Ragsy" Ragsdale, whose ardent yet controlled Delilah was easily the highlight of the evening.

The movement of the piece, as directed and choreographed by Mr. Sonna, was quite fluid. At times it moved with almost ballet-like liquidity, with action so precise that the need for formal sets were markedly unnecessary. Larry E. Groseclose's costumes were extremely imaginative-whole characterizations were created out of minimal bolts of clothes and masks.

Lucifer Descending continues at MBS Productions through November 6. For more information, please visit http://www.mbsproductions.net/.

Photo Credit:  Korey-Elizabeth Parker