RECOMMENDED
Rivendell Theatre Ensemble continues their “commitment to amplifying women’s voices” by teaming up with Raven Theatre to co-produce “Gorgeous,” by Keiko Green, about two women embroiled in a tug-of-war over a beloved pet belonging to their former husband, running through June 7. Directed by Kirsten Fitzgerald, the play stars Stephanie Shum as Jenny, a nurse-turned-wife of her patient, Bill, whose death leaves her stranded in a strange neighborhood with only their prizewinning bulldog, Gorgeous, for company. Unbeknownst to Jenny, Bill’s ex-wife Bernie, played by Rivendell artistic director Tara Mallen, a good’ol gal with a slight southern accent and an enigmatic past, will stop at nothing to get what she wants: Bill’s house and belongings (including Gorgeous!). Green writes in so many twists and turns that you’ll be second-guessing the outcome right up to the end.
The first half of the play was so creepy, I honestly thought it was verging into horror territory. After Bill’s death, Jenny is alone in a large house and secluded from her neighbors. Bernie shows up in the garage, doesn’t give her name, and is immediately caught in a lie. Like a silver-tongued serpent, Bernie dupes Jenny time and again, displaying psychopathic behavior, and when the former’s plots become bloody, one wonders what else she is capable of. Like a horror movie, the sense of foreboding is palpable, and I was constantly wincing at each of Bernie’s devious ploys. The tension throughout the first half is exquisite and will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The second half changes in tone as we learn more about Bernie’s backstory—that she has suffered trauma and seeks closure. Just as we’re ready to write her off as a one-dimensional villain, all our preconceptions are dashed, a wonderful sleight of hand by Green. Direction by Fitzgerald has the actors going full throttle, but not so animated as to be unrealistic. In the short eighty-five-minute runtime, we get to know Jenny and Bernie intimately, and persistent revelations result in never a dull moment.
Elements of design are familiar and eerie. Scenic design by Mara Ishihara Zinky accurately recreates a lived-in garage, where the entirety of the play takes place. Lighting design by Seojung Jang is subtle but effective, with car headlights illuminating scenes from an offstage. These design elements are what initially made me believe this to be a horror play, a familiar space distorted to seem malicious, especially after the set undergoes a startling transformation, testament to how capable design can turn the mundane into the extraordinary.
The play succeeds on all fronts. Green’s writing is concise, efficient and with surprises around every corner. Shum and Mallen play their roles with verve and panache. Set, lights and props complement the frenetic action on the stage. There is even an adorable cameo by a special guest. “Gorgeous” by Rivendell and Raven Theatre is heartbreaking, hilarious and engrossing, a hit to kick off the summer season.
“Gorgeous” is presented by Rivendell Theatre Ensemble and Raven Theatre Company, running through June 7 at Raven Theatre, 6157 North Clark. Tickets are $45 (discounts available for students, seniors, military and groups of six or more), available at raventheatre.com.
