Darwin In Malibu
Theatre Reviewer: Linda Marley Smith
Audiences in Hampton Roads have been treated to a rare array of quality community theatre shows this winter season. As if the excellent productions of Smokey Joe’s Café (PCT), 12 Angry Men (LTN) and All My Sons (LTNV) were not enough, Generic Theatre tops them all with the wonderfully entertaining and intellectually challenging Darwin in Malibu, written by Crispin Wittell.
Set in the present at a Malibu beachside cottage, we find Charles Darwin (in sunglasses and Hawaiian shirt) relaxing while drenched in sunshine and in the company of a young woman named Sarah. Into his idyll arrive 19th century contemporaries Thomas Henry Huxley and Samuel Wilberforce, worthy opponents in the great “Creation vs. Evolution” discourse. It is as if Darwin’s psyche summons these beings to inspire and then satisfy the desire for intellectual confrontation and resolution.
Although their conversation begins on a rather simplistic theological note, such as equating goodness with piety, the Malibu tranquility gradually roils into a raging storm of self examination, revelations and fascinating argument that concludes with an elegant statement echoing in the darkness.
Accomplished Director Matthew Friedman has assembled a thoroughly gifted cast that has mastered the material, channeling the spirits of these characters so that they live for each other and for us. The pacing is perfectly tuned with rhythms that propel the story while using appropriate rests. Friedman also incorporates subtle visual clues that greatly enrich the story. Veteran actor/director Bob Nelson gives us a reflective Darwin who understatedly plumbs the depths of human emotion and relationships. Paul Costen fully embodies Huxley, who was known as “Darwin’s Bulldog” while ably championing Darwin’s theories in learned debate with Bishop of Oxford and Dean of Westminster Samuel Wilberforce, well-played with alternate passion and aplomb by Garney Johnson. (A scene in Act II between Huxley and Wilberforce is delightfully synergistic!) Diane Sokolowich portrays the lovely but melancholy Sarah with poise and grace. Sarah’s presence in the story is an intriguing necessity.
Celia Burnett renders modern and period costumes that are completely appropriate and believable. Special recognition must go to Lighting Designer Michael Nardulli and Sound Designer Jonathan Bremner who artfully arranged some very special effects. Add to that a fine set designed by Nicholas Thornburg and Matt Friedman as well as effective Dialect Coaching from Shirley Hurd and one is left with a completely satisfying evening that provides deep belly laughs as well as fine drama. There’s nothing better than being in the room with thoroughly accomplished actors telling a really, really good story! This is it!