BWW Reviews: Hale Centre Theatre's IS HE DEAD? is Anything But

Mark Twain's long-lost comedy IS HE DEAD? is anything but. The period piece is decidedly fresh and upbeat in Hale Centre Theatre's impressive iteration.

IS HE DEAD? was written by Mark Twain in 1898, but it was out of the public eye until its adaptation by David Ives was produced on Broadway in 2007. The comedy centers on down-on-his-luck French painter Jean-Francois Millet. Despite his great talent, he is unable to sell his paintings and owes large amounts of money to a creditor. He and his buddies realize that a painter's works are worth more after he has passed away, so they hatch up a scheme to fake his death. He disguises himself as his long-lost sister, the widow Daisy Tillou, and profits from his sudden popularity. But he is not prepared for the unplanned consequences...and ensuing hilarity.

IS HE DEAD?'s script is witty, and its story is involving. Director Eric Jensen has done a superb job of highlighting nuances in the dialogue and adding his own touches of comic gold. The physical comedy is well-executed, and the production on the whole feels fresh and fun.

Much is owed to Bryan Dayley, who leads the cast as Jean-Francois Millet (double cast with Ben Abbott). He is a natural performer who is easy to watch and keeps the momentum always moving forward, especially while in disguise as Daisy Tillou.

Millet's buddies are the core of the cast, and they don't disappoint. David Martin as Chicago (double cast with Rusty Bringhurst), Justin Bruse as Dutchy (double cast with Trenton Krummenacher), and Greg Larsen as O'Shaughnessy (double cast with Brandon Green) all impress.

Also noteworthy is Mitch Hall as the creditor Bastien Andre (double cast with Michael Hohl).

Set designer Jennifer Taylor has painted a simple but stunning picture of the haves and have-nots in mid-nineteenth century France, including a seamless transition between acts. Costume designer Suzanne Carling and hair and makeup designer Trisha Ison have also contributed their own master strokes to the wonderful design.

IS HE DEAD? plays through February 7, 2015. For tickets, call the box office at 801-984-9000 or visit www.halecentretheatre.org.

Photo Credit: L-R Bryan Dayley (Jean-Francois Millet), Justin Bruse (Dutchy), and David Martin (Chicago)