Eric Schiffer (Photo courtesy of Long Beach Playhouse)
Reviewed by Julyza Commodore
Long Beach Playhouse
Through March 23rd
RECOMMENDED
Combine the travails of an understaffed theater company and its retelling of an epic, biblical tale, and you’ll get the comic aim of Long Beach Playhouse’s Ben Hur.
The 1959 film was directed by William Wyler. In this stage adaptation written by Patrick Barlow and based on the novel by General Lew Wallace, there are rarely any moments of drama, thanks to the slapstick.
Performed by the fictitious Daniel Veil Arts Collective, there are four actors. One plays Daniel Veil portraying other characters. The DVA Collective is determined and eager to tell the story of Judah Ben Hur (Grant Thackray), who is wrongfully accused of murder, enslaved by the Romans and who ends up redeemed by becoming a Christian. You may not think this sounds comedic, but when you factor in the lack of cast members available, forcing each actor to play a multitude of roles, mayhem comes to the fore.
Luckily, they do have two stage managers: STU. D.O Bajo (Charlie Rodriguez) and Gwendolyn Glockenspiel (Jackie Shearn), who also serve as understudies, helping move sets along and portraying various extras such as camels in the desert and sharks in the sea.
Each of the four performers stands out, portraying various characters and often having to switch back and forth between them on the turn of a dime. For instance, Devin Ricklef as Omar Lord also portrays Messala, the Villain, Jesus, Caspar, Captain, Valentino, Slave 2, etc. and does so with a great deal of conviction and humor. His portrayal of the main antagonist Messala is particularly inspired.
Thackray’s Veil (the head of the Collective) portrays Ben Hur, Melchoir and even a Nubian Dancer. His interpretation of the hero comes filled with a pride that teeters on pomposity. Thackray is splendid as both the story’s hero, and as the director of the Collective.
Also delightful are Amara Phelps and Eric Schiffer, with their comedic timing as they switch back and forth among the various characters whom they portray.
Because the show intentionally dramatizes a stage production going awry, you never really know what to expect; however, as long as you expect a theatrical train going off the rails, you’ll be just fine.
Long Beach Playhouse, 5021 Anaheim St., Long Beach; Thru March 23rd, 135 minutes with one 15 minute intermission. https://lbplayhouse.org
