BWW Reviews: HotCity Theatre's Taut Production of THE SINKER

I love seeing a brand new play, because I can go in with no preconceived notions, and experience something for the very first time. HotCity Theatre's Greenhouse festival has produced another winner in playwright Jami Brandli's fascinating and edgy new work, The Sinker. This is a tautly mounted production that benefits greatly from solid casting and sharp direction, and if you're looking for something a little less predictable than the normal fare, I strongly suggest you take a look.

One morning, when George returns to his apartment, he finds himself staring at the naked posterior of a mystery girl who's wearing his roommate's shirt and socks, and nothing else. It turns out, her name is Candi, and she's a student of the absent Josh, her English teacher and lover, who also happens to be on the verge of being published as a novelist. Josh was the recipient of a celebration the night before, thrown by his childhood chum George, and his editor Liz, who lives below them. Apparently, he's stepped out for lattes in the face of a raging nor'easter, and hasn't returned for well over an hour. At least, that's the story Candi gives George, but is it the truth? When George calls Josh his cell phone rings in Candi's bag. When Liz comes upstairs she finds a copy of Josh's novel in it as well, and it turns out that Candi has re-edited the book at Josh's request. Before all is said and done, a gun will be discovered and someone will meet a violent end. But, getting there is worth the trip.

Erica Feldman masterfully manipulates George and Liz as Candi. Our first introduction, and her subsequent teasing of George, demonstrate that she's not afraid of using her body to get what she wants, even if it's just a reaction. Rusty Gunther does strong work as George, letting his obsessions and dirty little secrets bubble to the surface at the most unexpected moments. Aarya Sara Locker impresses as Liz, a woman who's been beguiled by Josh for years, and may have had more of a hand in any success he's had than she's willing to admit. Together, this ensemble does an exceptional job of building and maintaining the tension needed for the payoff.

Director Annamaria Pelligi guides the action in inspired fashion, staging this first time work with a considerable amount of flair. At times, I was reminded of the same desperation and darkness that you find in the best film noir. Sean Savoie's scenic design adds to the mood, deftly conjuring up a messy, college town apartment, and outfitting it with a troublesome roof that's threatening to buckle under the weight of the snow that's piled on top of it. Maureen Hanratty's straightforward lighting scheme keeps the action in focus, and Bonnie's Kruger's costumes are a neat fit for each of the characters.

Jami Brandli has constructed a nifty little thriller that had me enthusiastically anticipating where things were heading after the first act. HotCity Theatre's intense and engaging production of The Sinker continues through May 22, 2010, at the Kranzberg Arts Center.