by dick kerekes dickkerekes@yahoo.com
Theatre Jacksonville opened a three-week run of Hugh Whitmore’s Pack of Lies adapted from a real-life spy case of the l960s and set in a London suburb.
Just suppose a very official looking government man knocked on your door and asked to place an “observer” to spy on the neighborhood for the good of the country.
This is what happens to Bob and Barbara Jackson and their teenage daughter Julie. But what is supposed to only last a couple of days, turns into weeks and stretches the fabric of the family, as they must “hide” the presence of the guests. Their best friends for five years, Canadians Helen and Peter, are suspected of aiding a KGB agent who has stolen NATO secrets. There you have the basic plot of this suspense yarn.
Before the plot really gets going, there is about 30 minutes of chit-chat, so I want you to take a visual tour of the wonderful set that Scenic Designer Kelly Wagoner and Technical Director Jeff Wagoner have created. First you will notice bits of furniture that look very British and l960s. I especially liked the pop-open bar on the far right.
A large bay window looks out over the neighborhood, and directly above it, in Julie’s unseen bedroom, the lookouts observe the neighbors. There is a lovely foyer to the rear of the set and on the right is a small, but functional kitchen with a pantry. I was enthralled by the back door that looked old and European. It is a great set and certainly one of the stars of this show.
The only thing missing technically, in my opinion, was some scene change music for the numerous blackouts. I personally would have selected the theme music from Alfred Hitchcock’s TV show, but some eerie music would have added suspense.
Shirley Sacks and Jean Tait shared the directing chores for this play and I can understand why, since both had other projects demanding their time. Mrs. Sack’s directing Thoroughly Modern Millie at Stanton and Ms. Tait is Director of Programming for the upcoming Jacksonville Film Festival.
Dawn Button is excellent as Mrs. Jackson, which is the most demanding role since all the lying has turned her into a nervous wreck as she contemplates out loud “What is the difference between one lie or another?” Geoffrey King plays a perfect Mr. Jackson with his English accent (He is English) and is quite good as the devoted husband.
You may be seeing a lot more of Kristin Alexander, who played the rebellious daughter Julie. She hopes to be accepted into Douglas Anderson and has been home-schooled. She was believable in this role and projects well.
Terence Wolfe is a newcomer to Jacksonville, and is very impressive as Stewart, the government man who recruited the Jacksons for the spy adventure. His credits include musical theatre and I am looking forward to seeing him again on stage as a singer. He would make a great Jud in Oklahoma.
Chanel Martin and Jennifer Barrett play Stewart’s assistant spooks and they interact with the family as they come through the house to go up to the lookout post.
Both looked right for the parts, but they need to project better since English accents are difficult enough for audiences even when they are heard loud and clear. When the young ladies were back by the sink, I could not understand them, and I was sitting in the third row.
Veteran performers Amy Noel Johnson and Kenny Logsdon are the two jolly but suspected neighbors, Peter and Helen. They performed well but both were a bit young for the roles. Logsdon mentions he went to a Communist cell meeting in 1932 but the play is set in 1960 and he looks to be in his late 30s.
Ms. Johnson’s Helen is a chattering, cheerful motor mouth, sort of like “Auntie Mame”, who likes to drink. (Was this a part of her cover?)
She also likes to swear and her choice of words involves slandering the Deity. It may offend some patrons since this is considered part of the Bible belt. Had I been directing, I would have substituted SOB, and that would have made the point.
This play is a bit on the “talkie” side and demands that you pay attention. The fact that it is a true event that occurred during the Cold War years of the 60s makes it more interesting.
Costume Designer Sally Pettegrew coordinated the costumes, which were in period. I do think Mrs. Jackson needed a couple more changes to help the audience feel the passage of time. The character Stewart wore the same suit for his several appearances in the home. Adding a raincoat would have, again, given us a scene of time passing. It certainly would have been appropriate since I hear it occasionally rains in London. This third production of TJ’s 87th Season continues through March l7. All performances are at the Harold K. Smith Playhouse in lovely San Marco. Call 396-4425 for reservations or visit their website at www.theatrejax.com.
|
