BWW Reviews: Muddy Waters Theatre Presents Exceptional Production of DESIRE UNDER THE ELMS Through 3/28

Muddy Waters Theatre begin their season of O'Neill with the classic American morality tale, Desire Under the Elms, a play that manages to examine nearly all of the seven deadly sins before reaching its dramatic conclusion. If you've only seen the woefully miscast movie version (I mean, really, Burl Ives, Sophia Loren and Anthony Perkins as the love triangle?), then you owe it to yourself to check out a well cast and thoughtfully directed production, and the current presentation by Muddy Waters fills the bill nicely.

When widower Ephraim Cabot leaves his farm for an extended period of time, his sons begin to puzzle over his disappearance, speculating on his death and how their subsequent ownership of the land would shake out. But, when he returns with a new wife, all bets are off, and his eldest sons leave New England behind for the promise of gold in California, selling off their "shares" to half brother Eben, who has his own thoughts as to the farm's rightful ownership. Once Abbie, Ephraim's wife, enters the picture Eben finds himself on the outside looking in, as Abbie beings to assert her new found authority. But, neither count on there being any kind of romantic spark between them. And, when Abbie hatches the idea of Ephraim fathering a new heir, events transpire that will leave a path of tragedy in their wake.

Jim Anthony is a rare talent, so the chance to see him perform as Ephraim is really something to be savored and appreciated. Anthony, known more for his supporting roles in larger scale productions, delivers a towering performance as the misguided patriarch. He makes him larger than life, the kind of a man that Eben wouldn't stand a chance defeating, despite the fact he's supposed to be seventy years old. And, even though Ephraim is an ornery cuss, Anthony is able to show us his pain and suffering when he discovers the acts of betrayal that have shattered his hopes for the future.

Franklin Killian imbues Eben with a nervous energy that highlights the character's more unstable qualities. His fidgety gestures and stooped posture are in sharp contrast to the more assured bearing of those around him. Patty Ulrich is able to make the scheming Abbie alluring and pitiable as she embarks on a course of action that will eventually tear an already dysfunctional family completely apart.

Ben Ritchie and Chris Jones provide a bit of humor as Ephraim's sons Peter and Simeon. Not only do they display an amusing chemistry, but they also shown an ability to hungrily devour plate after plate of cold beans on a nightly basis, which is certainly no mean feat.

Ryan Spearman and Laura Sexauer provide a lovely and lilting underscore for the production on guitar and violin, respectively.

Director Jerry McAdams does fine work guiding this talented ensemble. This is a tight, tautly paced, and well played effort that breathes life into a well worn classic. Sean Savoie's scenic design is a study in simplicity, providing a rustic, but minimalistic feel that focuses attention on the actors. JC Krajicek's costumes are also nicely realized, lending a grimy sense of realism to the proceedings. Jonathan Lebovic's lighting is suitably dramatic.

Muddy Waters Theatre's exceptional production of Desire Under the Elms continues through March 28, 2010 at the Kranzberg Arts Center.

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