Supporting the Arts in Western Massachusetts and Beyond

July 24, 2009

Sleuth

Barrington Stage Company, Pittsfield, MA
www.barringtonstageco.org
through August 1, 2009
by Meghan Lynn Allen

A quirky, gruesome detective story unfolds at Barrington Stage Company. "Sleuth," starring Charles Shaughnessy of TV’s “Nanny” fame, is a Tony Award winning 1970 play by Anthony Shaffer. Shaughnessy plays Andrew Wyke, an exceptionally successful mystery writer, whose manor house in Wiltshire, England is dark, creepy, and full of surprises. He brings a charm and playfulness to Wyke’s devilish character that makes the show fun to watch. Shaughnessy deftly portrays Wyke as he engages in an outlandish game of cat and mouse with his wife’s lover, Milo Tindle. Jeremy Bobb plays Tindle, and Bobb rises to the task of sharing the stage with experienced stage and screen actor Shaughnessy. Bobb epitomizes Tindle at the heights of his idiocy, craftiness, obsession, and zeal.

Set designer David Barber deserves kudos for his massive and thrilling mansion interior, fully-equipped with hidden passageways that open at the pull of a lever and all the lavish little details that continually engage. Lighting Designer (Jeff Davis) and Sound Designer (Brad Berridge) have much to be proud of as well; their talents add to the frighteningly fun experience of "Sleuth." Director Jesse Berger expertly accomplishes the job of bringing a play that has had world-wide success back to life (and death) again.

Though riddled with adult references, this show is fun for all ages.