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HOLLYWOOD,
CA - Making its world premiere at the Lillian Theatre is Dennis
Miles’ play von Lutz. Directed by Jon Lawrence Rivera, von
Lutz promises a tale of secrets, sex and murder. The
wealthy von Lutz family has its share of secrets. Husband Teodor
and wife Vitgen are both having affairs; daughter Anelle is
seeking solace in an unsuitable engagement, while her twin
brother Dix wants to get married too – in a long white dress.
With the arrival of Diern, who claims to be a nephew, the lives
of the von Lutz family are threatened to be turned upside down.
Director
Jon Lawrence comments on this production. “In particular, I am
thrilled to sink my teeth into the world of von Lutz
because it is a tricky play. It requires great balance of
sexuality and sophistication, passion and desire, acceptance and
rejection.” Tricky is
an understatement. Playwright Dennis Miles seems to throw taboo
topics and questionable actions to his audience in an effort to
test their emotions. It is in the final moments of the play that
will leave some people appalled of an upper class world that
still exists today. However, there is no doubt the audience will
be entertained, or at the very least teased, by some of the
behaviors on the stage. Von
Lutz
delivers in acting. Steve Callahan literally seduces the von
Lutz family and the audience as hunky Diern. Devin Sidell is
appealing and likeable as Anelle. Barret Kime brings depth into
the sympathetic role of Dix. Nick Salamone and Diane Cary head
the von Lutz family with intelligence and class. Rounding out
the cast are Anthony Backman, James Michael Bobby, Kerri
Higuchi, Brenda McDonald, and Stewart Skelton. On the
technical side, set design by Dan Mailley is charming, complete
with desirable chess set pieces for chess lovers. Lighting
design by Robert Oriol is effective and well done. With
complex characters complimented by talented actors, von Lutz
is a recommended must see. - Adrian
Rennie |
Maestro Arts and ReviewsCopyright © 2005 The Maestro GroupAll rights reserved.Online Reviews: www.maestro.ws/arts |
