Communicating Doors

Good acting, funny story propel Studio 1’s 'Communicating Doors'

 

By Charity Apple / Times-News

Posted Mar. 5, 2015 at 12:01 AM 
 

THEATER REVIEW

Sir Alan Ayckbourn’s “Communicating Doors” poses the question — “if altering the past was possible, would you do it?”

Studio 1’s latest offering is an intense time-travel thriller that takes place in the same London hotel room in May 1978, October 1998 and October 2018. When London sex specialist Poopay (Kate Dahlquist) is called to meet with a client (Wayne Leonard) in the Regal Hotel, she discovers a murder plot that sends her, as well as some of the other characters, traveling through time.

Kate Dahlquist is fearless in her role, having to don a dominatrix outfit for most of the show. She also stars opposite her husband, Shawn, who plays the murderous J.S. “Julian” Goodman, the business partner and best friend of Reece Welles (Leonard).

The married couple has to fight on stage, and there are some scenes that are difficult to watch because of Goodman’s violent temper.

Kate’s facial features and reactions to Shawn’s actions are mesmerizing; the two demonstrate what good acting is all about.

Leonard is fearless in his portrayal of Reece Welles, a man so clearly influenced by his best friend that he seems to lose his own identity.

Equally as entertaining are Beth Matthews (Jessica Welles) and Terry Kroliczak (Ruella Welles) as Reece’s first and second wives, respectively.

Director Tami Kress described the show as “a psychological thriller that spans three decades, filled with humor and action.”

Attention to details — from the costumes designed by Heather Newberry to the lighting and set design by Lizz Matthews and Adam M. Maxfield — enhance the experience.

Maxfield is a lecturer in the Technical Production Master of Fine Arts program at UNC-Chapel Hill and technical director for PlayMakers Repertory Company in Chapel Hill. From the artwork, which switches depending on the time period, to the newspapers and phones used as props, audiences will appreciate how this show reflects the characters’ “time travel.”

An edge-of-your seat experience awaits audiences, but be aware that this is an adult-oriented show with themes of sex and violence, so it’s not suitable for children.