Pardon the delay as Theatre Three’s Sleuth head into its fourth weekend. Those holidays really throw things off. But don’t sleep on the company’s thrilling production in its Theatre Too space because not only does the show provide a classic cat-and-mouse tale of jealousy and cunning, but it’s also a showcase of immense talent across its two-actor cast of Malcolm Stephenson and Benjamin Stegmair.
The show began by introducing mystery author Andrew who is finalizing his latest book at his clearly sprawling estate surrounded by dark wood ambiance and elegant masculine decor. He is visited by the younger Milo at his request. Through his proper British sophistication, he confronts Milo who has become the lover of Andrew’s wife. Andrew surrenders his wife by concocting a plan for Milo to burgle some jewelry on the estate that would set them up for a comfortable life that his wife is used to. After some convincing, Milo is on board. At this point, the two wrestle for power over the other as Andrew’s scheme is perfect to him, but Milo may just be a perfect rival for such chicanery. The ultimate question becomes who is the bad guy – or maybe, who is the worst?
While Anthony Shaffer’s play had some dated moments, the story remains seductive and in the hands of director Emily Scott Banks, the show’s urgency filled the room as the two characters battled out their mental games. Her sharp direction kept the plot moving but allowed for the audience to savor these delicious characters despite their toxic traits on full display.
Stephenson oozed charisma as Andrew. His performance had countless layers of charm, malice, smugness and intelligence that gave his character such complexity.
Stegmair’s nuanced performance portrayed Milo from an earnest and sensitive chap to someone who transformed in a variety of facets into a criminal, a victim and vengeful. Stegmair beautifully navigated Milo’s intricacies of character development.
Both not only effortlessly trekked through heavy dialogue, but also beautifully tiptoed their characters’ moral compasses.
The set cleverly conveyed Andrew’s estate as large as intended and ironically in T3’s more intimate stage. The show had its fair share of special effects which add to the story’s danger, and while that night’s sound suffered from technical difficulties, it was easy to see how sound design added to the show’s texture.
Sleuth is about two men who go after each other due to bruised egos. But here, the story unfolded with masterful strokes of drama and intensity. These characters may be toxic, but the creative team here delivered a sophisticated, witty and smart stage experience.
The show runs through Dec. 15.
–Rich Lopez
