Review from Towson University newspaper

The Towerlight

 

Brainy play showcases remarkable TU talent

by Allison Barger
October 14, 2002

It's hard to discern the single brightest star in "Alchemy of Desire/Dead Man's Blues," currently playing at the Mainstage Theatre in the Center for the Arts. Each of the six actors illuminates the stage as brightly as the fireflies that swarm through the sky in one particular scene.

With its breathtaking soliloquies and beautiful lighting effects, "Alchemy" provides a poetic, charming relief from the blunt, prosaic scripts that have become so popular in recent years.

A story of lust, love, war and tragedy, "Alchemy" encapsulates everything contained in a typical modern sitcom, but with a beautiful, spiritual ambiance that cannot be matched.

With a script that overflows with lucid imagery and a cast who performs every word and small step to perfection, "Alchemy" does not require a great deal of physical action, eye-popping stunts or special effects to maintain an audience's attention.

The play follows Simone, a widow grieving over her husband's death to an unnamed war, as she finds the strength to move on with the help of four friends.

As Simone, played by senior theater major Heidi Eurich, mourns, the lost spirit of her husband, Jamie, played by Shaun Russell, a senior electronic media and film major, haunts the small community.

The women of the bayou community where Simone lives strive to help the widow overcome her grief through rituals of song, buckets of fried chicken and humor. The heart-warming scenes between these women help to develop each individual personality and provide humor and hope in a world overcome by death and grief.

Selah, played by senior mass communication major Faith Evans, represents the oldest, wisest member of the community whom the other women look to for advice and inspiration.

Although she's not in as many scenes as some of the other cast members, her cool, deliberate manner and soothing voice make the audience wait in anticipation for the scenes in which she does appear.

The scenery of the play, a burned-out bayou, is enforced by the drab colors of the stage and the old-fashioned costumes worn by the actors. Dingy, gray curtains hang from the ceiling and slowly rustle with the wind, creating a dark, eerie atmosphere.

The actors make good use of the few props on stage: a couple of rickety rocking chairs, a few bleak platforms and an old-fashioned dollhouse.

"Alchemy of Desire" proves that an abundance of action and stage props are not necessary to create an entertaining, satiating 90 minutes for the soul.

Because the play relies heavily on metaphorical language, the audience is forced to stay attentive in order to understand the plot.

For the literary-impaired, "Alchemy" may not be the best way to spend $5 and may prove more confusing than elevating. This play is a must-see experience for those who prefer striking language, imagery and morality opposed to sex, violence and cut-and-dry lingo.