BWW Reviews: THRILL ME: THE LEOPOLD AND LOEB STORY at What If? Productions

I like seeing musical theatre in intimate spaces. The sound reaches and fills every corner of the room and the connection between audience and performer is so easily achieved. Threshold Repertory Theater has this kind of stage, and the shows produced there benefit from its intimacy. What If? Productions is currently in residence at Threshold with their production of Stephen Dolginoff's THRILL ME: THE LEOPOLD AND LOEB STORY. After seeing and performing in musicals like FIDDLER ON THE ROOF and THE ROBBER BRIDEGROOM at Threshold Repertory Theatre, as part of their regular season, I was excited to see what What If? Productions would have to offer. They are known in Charleston for doing off-the-wall, unknown and quirky shows, performing at both Threshold Rep. and The Historic American Theater on King Street.

The most refreshing thing about THRILL ME was its simplicity. The set felt like equal parts jail cell and transient home, with just blocks as bed, tables and chairs. There was no instance in which both audience and performer were completely physically comfortable. The lonely and haunting score is played entirely on piano by Kevin J. Thorn. There was a nice connection between actor and musician, though it might have been interesting to feature the piano score more as a presence or character, as Thorn ripped through it so effortlessly.

The plot is a dramatization of a murder committed in by Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb, otherwise known as the 'Thrill Killers'. In 1924 they kidnapped 14 year-old Bobby Franks near their Chicago neighborhood, with the intention of holding his for ransom. They killed the boy before the money was collected and dumped the body. Damning evidence appeared that quickly led to their arrest. The crime becomes notorious, as the killers were driven by nothing except their desire to commit the 'perfect crime'.

The musical explores the two killers co-dependent and manipulative relationship, mainly focusing on the time leading directly up to the crime. The destructiveness of their relationship grew from years of friendship and a shared love of the teachings of Nietzche, especially the idea of being an 'ubermensch' or 'superman'. These individuals possessed superior knowledge and skill-sets, thus allowing them to rise above normal rules of society. Richard Loeb believed himself to be one of these people and began to commit petty crimes, setting fires, robberies etc. with Nathan Leopold acting as his lookout. Loeb later convinces Leopold that he is also a 'superman' and they make a blood pact as friends, lovers and accomplices. At this point, the audience has discovered that their symbiotic relationship stems mainly from Leopold's deep obsessive love for Loeb, and Loeb's opposing indifference and coldness just makes Leopold more dedicated. Brian Porter as Loeb is just that: bitter cold. He effectively uses Loeb's adoration for his own benefit, with no seeming regard for how his actions affect his friend. The song 'Roadster' sung by Loeb as he is luring their victim into their car, is bone chilling and one of the more haunting songs in the show. However, as things begin to go wrong, and evidence against them begins to appear, Leopold shows his humanity, while Loeb quickly snaps under the fear and pressure. Brennan Daugherty has a wonderful arc as Leopold, who you watch go from obsessively (and violently) in love, to humbled and accepting of his guilt.

An interesting aspect of of this show is its exploration of the friendship between the two killers. They grew up together, and had cultivated a bond that led them both to believe that they had a true 'partner in crime'. The chemistry that the actors had was wonderful to this effect, and resulted in many of the shows funnier moments, as well as many tender ones. Leopold, despite Loeb's abuse and constant rebuffing, actually manages to retain some sense of sanity and ends up holding more cards than you expect him to at the end. The audience laughed and rejoiced as the two men were carted off to jail, watching them realize that the greatest punishment they could ever receive is having to spend the rest of their lives together.

THRILL ME stars What If? Founding Producing Director Brian Porter as Richard Loeb and PURE Theatre Core Ensemble Member Brannen Daugherty as Nathan Leopold. The production is directed by What If? Producing Artistic director Kyle Barnette, with musical direction by Derek Pickens and featuring Kevin J. Thorn on the Piano. Tickets are available at http://www.whatifproductions.org/season5/thrill-me-the-leopold-and-loeb-story.html.