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Sadly, Before the Fire suffers from a problem it cannot control: a cramped,
non-air-conditioned venue. But it's really the drab, historical plot and
dull direction that make it difficult to sit through this production. In
London in 1666, five very different women find themselves imprisoned for
acts of treason against the Crown. The characters are basically unappealing
and unsympathetic; their plight, uninteresting. It's hard to find a reason
to care whether they live or die. Direction consisting of stand here, sit
there, speak that way doesn't give the actresses much room for creativity.
Rachel Mewbron, at least, plays the orphaned street urchin Gyly with
engaging innocence and spirit, and Reba Herman, as the strong Puritan
Katherine, also offers a fine performance. The other three actresses must at
least be applauded for enduring the heat in their period costumes. -- ELLEN CARPENTER
Johnny
Belle Productions
Written by Catherine Trieschmann; directed by Katherine
Sanderlin.
Where:
Arthur's Dress Shop, 141 Ridge Street
When:
8/24 at 2.
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