An Act of the Imagination

This British style murder mystery is an evening of FUN!

(Theatre Reviewer: Linda Marley Smith)

Every theatre strives to provide a varied menu of quality shows that tantalize and satisfy their audience.  Among the usual comedy, drama, musical fare, the neat little British-style murder mystery is a zestful treat.   The Little Theatre of Virginia Beach has placed Bernard Slade’s An Act of the Imagination between the rousing musical, Oklahoma! and a challenging drama, All My Sons, to cleanse our palate.

Slade is a Canadian actor/playwright who achieved his greatest Broadway success in 1975 with Same Time, Next Year, earning the Drama Desk Award and a Tony nomination.  Prior to his theatrical success, he had written for various television sitcoms including Bewitched, and had created Love on a Rooftop, The Flying Nun, and The Partridge Family.  An Act of the Imagination, although nicely turned and plotted, leans toward the lighter fare.

Set in an upper middle class British home, the plot unfolds with a “quaint, unsophisticated” writer having completed his latest murder mystery.  The household also comprises his supportive ex-tennis pro wife as well as his not-so-successful son.  Later folded into the mix are a book agent, a bumbling, neurotic detective, and not one, but two possible ex-lovers.  The plot not only thickens, but roils with possibilities.

This sort of fiction succeeds best with well defined characters, tongue planted firmly in cheek, as well as spontaneous, crisp, unapologetic delivery.  The Virginia Beach show is almost there, but too often tentativeness prevailed on opening night.  Theatre veteran Bill Vaughan has created an engaging, befuddled, likeable Arthur Putnam, getting us off on the right foot.  The pace in the first scene is considerably slowed, however by Alison Kucharski’s almost nonchalant approach to his wife, Julia Putnam.  One would hope for a bit more internal energy and command of the material there.  The

momentum then quickens with the entrance of Arthur’s son Simon, ably played by Josh Elliot.  Kyle Kucharski seems a bit young for the book agent role of Holly Adams, but executes her assignment well.  Things take a much livelier turn when detective Sergeant Fred Burchitt shows up.  James Bryan nails the spirit of this genre, enabling us to thoroughly enjoy the fun through his all too brief performance.  Marisa Bergfield as Brenda Simmons and Leigh Strenger as Brooke Carmichael are very impressive young actresses, adding their mysterious sparks to the story.

Director/Set Designer Sara B. Quilenderino has pulled together this respectable project into an enjoyable show.  Her set solves the particular challenges presented by the design of the LTVB stage and includes elevated areas, alcoves, staircase and a window seat.  It errs on the spare side, but serves the action well.  More intimately placed furniture groupings might have elicited more dynamic character engagement, however.  All furnishings faced dead front. 

Details make a difference, too.  For instance, it was obvious that the actors were pouring air rather than tea or coffee and a purse was carried on stage that contained nothing more than a thin file.  There is no real woman on earth who carries such a flat, empty bag.  That being said, costuming by Joyce Gaus and Betty Jean Walker was otherwise suitable and fine.

Opening night contained a few misses in terms of line and light cues.  (Was the light cue gaff on purpose? – We noticed!)  This production may very well, and should, soon settle into a well-oiled, well-paced machine.  The audience quite enjoyed picking up on the hints and clues which led to an ending - with a twist!  If you’re seeking an evening of British-style fun, this is your show.

An Act of the Imagination runs through February 7, 2010. Visit www.ltvb.com for ticket information and pricing.