Clive Barker's the History of the Devil

Review by Rand

As the lights went down and the play got underway, I was immediately impressed with its production values. Anyone expecting an amateurish effort due to the fact that several Mojo people were involved in this play was in for a big surprise. Everything was top notch and done in a professional manner in this ambitious effort. The lighting, set design, and acting were excellent. I look forward to seeing what this group can do with a play of their own creation.

The plot had many twists and turns. The devil was on trial, and most of the play consisted of flashbacks exploring his behavior on Earth. The flashback scenes were powerful, but the trial scenes didn't always match the intensity of the flashbacks. The plot was solid, but there were a few weak points. I didn't understand the necessity for the fireworks scene after the intermission. The romance between the Devil and the pretty, young prosecutor, played by Breck Lyvers, seemed underdeveloped. It was hinted at and foreshadowed early in the play, but the motivation for it never seemed clear. Why not have a seduction scene where we see her giving in to the devil, and explore her motivations more? Their romance was more like a plot mechanism than an event that went along with the flow of the play. And the ending to the play left me a little flat after the promising flashback scenes throughout. The resolution did not flow from the set-up very well.

All of the acting in the play was first rate. A few performances stood out. Gregory E. Bone was outstanding in the role of the devil. He had a booming, commanding voice with a tinge of cruelty to it. Somehow he allowed us to see his humanity and turned the devil into a sympathetic character the audience rooted for in the end. Jennifer Convery played the heart-rending role of the retarded daughter of a Russian woman who could barely speak but was still a human being with needs. Those needs led to her undoing in a powerful scene that left the audience gasping. J.P. Lebangood's performance as a demented, wild Jesus Christ was manic and exuberant.

Christol Sweeney was serviceable as the chief prosecutor. Keith Franklin was understated in his role as the defense attorney, a good foil for the energetic devil. Rich Williams also did a fine job as the judge, keeping the courtroom scenes moving. Bill Breuer also entertained in his role as Milo Milo, the nervous, constantly shaking judge's assistant.

The sound effects and lighting were generally good, except for a few minor points. I am uncertain why the sound of crickets lightly chirping was often played in the background. It was a bit distracting at times, especially during the court scenes. Another distraction occurred when the lighting would switch from murky to a high intensity, often when the scene shifted from flashback to the trial. The play might have been better served keeping a low intensity light throughout to maintain the dark mood.

Overall this play was entertaining and well-executed.

* * * 1/2 / * * * *