Review: When a fantasy goes too far

James O'Hagan Murphey as Norman Bartholomew
Photo by: C. Trammell

What is your fantasy? Everyone has them. What do you think about when it’s the middle of the afternoon and your mind wanders off? Winning the lottery? A romantic rendezvous with the person of your dreams? That dream job you’ve always wanted? Murdering your wife? Ok, that last one is probably not as common, but it is the subject of Anthony Shaffer’s Murderer, now playing at the John Hand Theater.

Murderer is all about what happens when these fantasies go too far. On the surface, Norman Bartholomew seems like a sadistic and obsessed maniac – a man who is obsessed with famous murders from the past. He delights in recreating these famous crimes, and dreams of the day he can join the ranks of his idols by murdering someone himself. However, as you look further and further in to what makes young Norman Bartholomew tick, it suddenly seems that his obsession is just a bit more than any other “sane” person’s might be. He’s just gone a bit too far. 

Murderer opens with one of the most impressive and chilling scenes ever to play out on stage. A full twenty minutes with no dialogue at all – in which the audience gets treated to a truly grisly, bloody, and gory opening scene. (All played out on a brilliant set that shows what a bit of creativity can do for a small theatre space) Of course, Shaffer is known for his brilliant plot twists and Murderer does not disappoint, so it is very important that I not go in to too much detail here. As the plot twists and turns, Shaffer explores more and more of this sadistic side to mankind and gets his hero tangled in a bizarre sort of murder/game/love triangle between his wife and mistress. Everyone is aware of the games, everyone seems to go along with Norman’s twisted mind. Except, of course, the one voice of reason – the police officer that has come inquiring at his door. As the police officer so casually states, “You don’t know the game you are playing at all well. Stop in time!” Of course, he doesn’t.

Director Stacey Nelms has assembled an impressive cast for this high stakes game of fantasy role-playing taken too far. James O’Hagan-Murphy takes on the role of Norman Bartholomew, in a very subtle and systematic performance that seemed reminiscent of a young Anthony Perkins. He seems completely in control, only allowing a few glimmers of the truth behind the murderer peek out – resulting in a very believable and strong performance.  

Lindsey Christian is a newcomer to the Denver Theatre scene but be prepared to see more and more of this spectacular actress. She takes on the role of Millie, the mistress, with a calm coolness that works brilliantly against O’Hagan-Murphy’s Norman. Then there is the stunning Theresa Dwyer Reid as Elizabeth, the wife. She tackles this role with everything she’s got, creating a brilliant, gutsy character. Both women are equally strong, giving O’Hagan-Murphy’s Norman something to really fight against. The three work together very well, giving a truly ensemble performance.

Finally, in what may be his strongest performance yet, Luke Terry steps into the role of Sargeant Stenning – the wise voice of reason within this madcap group of game-players. Terry brings the experience and wisdom needed to attempt to control the situation, and he emanates a calm, collected demeanor perfect for the role.