It was with much anticipation and trepidation that I approached Janus Theatre’s production of The Alchemist. After all, it was written by Shakespeare rival Ben Jonson in 1610, and it’s considered Jonson’s best play. But then I remembered Janus Theatre is in its 28th season, is noted for its excellence, and is the first theater to open the new Elgin Art Showcase at 220 Dupage Street in downtown Elgin.
Get tickets HERE.
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| The trio of con artists in The Alchemist are Aaron Hoge as Face (l), Julie Bayer as Dol Common, and Benedick L. Slabik II as Subtle. Photo by Sarah Knauf. |
Directed by the steady hand of Sean Hargadon, The Alchemist is a satirical comedy, and this version of the play is adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher. The cast provided a production that is witty, engaging, and rich in interpretation.
The setting is London during the plague. The set design is simple, clean, and inspired by a steampunk aesthetic. A beautiful Roman clock, desk, and trunks are the scenic anchors. Costumes by Tiffany Jasinski are outstanding with appropriate velvets, ruffs, corsets, leather aprons, and top hats that are appealing. Tech Director Ed Dawson pulls everything together under an atmospheric light design, supported by practical sounds and music from Hargadon. And it’s all well-paced and held tightly together by the very capable stage manager, Elizabeth Dawson.
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| Dustin Ayers as Surly (l) and Steve Connell as Sir Epicure Mammon. In the background is Benedick L. Slabik as Subtle plotting his next move. Photo by Sarah Knauf. |
Hargadon has cast extremely well. There is not a weak link among the
delightful ensemble of ten. The brilliant trio of greedy con artists rest on
the shoulders of Aaron Hoge, Benedict L. Slabik II and Julie Bayer, whose expert
chemistry keeps the story moving. All three are masterful in their dialogue as
they transform from character to character, which easily attracts greedy
Londoners to their shop. This is where Subtle, played brilliantly by Benedict L.
Slabik II as the alchemist, claims he can turn any metal into gold, attracting gullible
characters interested in obtaining wealth and status, making them easily
scammed. The trio are rarely off stage and are under a time crunch with Master
Lovewit soon returning home from his country estate. Desperate to get all the money
they can, the three must complete the various scams from their victims before
time runs out. Aaron Hoge plays Face, the charismatic butler of the house, who changes
characters based on the next victim. He is an extraordinarily remarkable actor.
Rounding out the trio is Julie Bayer’s Dol Common, a bawdy and an attractively
commanding actress. This is a terrific trio!
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| What's in the chest? |
The first “victim” to make an entrance is Abel Drugger (Zach Flax), a seller of tobacco and liquor, who seeks spiritual guidance for his new shop. Flax is larger than life with an ogre voice that is delicious. The next visitor is Mr. Dapper (Dan Stromquist), a lawyer’s clerk looking for a magic charm to help him win at the gaming tables. Stromquist is another extraordinary actor who charms! Steve Connell plays Sir Epicure Mammon – elegant and desirous of becoming rich through an alchemical stone being made for him. Connell is remarkable, a master with language who savors his speeches with comic flare. Accompanied by a sceptic named Surly, wonderfully portrayed by Dustin Ayers, he attempts to persuade Sir Mammon of the trio’s fraud and returns as another character in disguise. Ayers possesses a physicality and verbal powers that are perfect! The crisp and interesting Stephen Pickering plays Ananias, a religious zealot, who also wants the elusive stone to be made for him. Finally, Matt Johnson (Kastril) and Tessa Dougherty (Dame Pliant), portray the classic overprotective brother and widowed sister looking for a husband. Both provide an unexpected surprise that you may never see coming.
This extremely talented cast keeps the audience besotted from start to finish. I was exhausted just from laughing.
Runs through March 29th. Tickets $25. At Janus Theatre, located at the The New Elgin Art
Showcase, 220 Dupage Street, downtown Elgin
Regina Belt Daniels has been writing reviews for more than
11 years, most recently for the Shaw Local News Network. She has also held
board positions for the Raue Center for the Arts, Woodstock Opera House
Advisory Commission, Townsquare Players, and RCLPC Theater. She has directed,
stage-managed or acted in more than 40 productions.
