Review: Den of Thieves is the perfect solution to holiday stress

Cast L-R: Jacquelyn Garcia, Christian Mast, David Harms
and Sarah Mae Johnson.  Photo Credit: Ellen Johnson

Someone once asked me if it is difficult to review a play when I’m in a bad mood. I wasn’t quite sure what she meant by that question so I asked her to elaborate. She explained that if I walk into a show, the mood that I’m in must color my experience of the play I’m watching. I thought about it for a moment and replied that I hope it doesn’t. But I think it does for everyone. I think that anyone that is having a rough day or having some difficulties in their lives and then goes to attend a play or movie is bound to have a tougher time getting into the story and enjoying the entertainment. Well, the other day, amidst a stream of difficulties in my own life, I went to see Den of Thieves at Vintage Theatre Productions. I sat down and within five minutes I had indeed escaped into the world of the show and was fully enjoying the evening of entertainment.

Den of Thieves, directed by Bernie Cardell, is the kind of black comedy that many people are afraid to tackle. It deals with a pair of kleptomaniacs, Maggie and Paul, who end up getting roped into a safe cracking robbery. The mastermind behind the robbery is Maggie’s Puerto Rican wannabe ex boyfriend Flaco and his topless-dancer friend Boochie. The plan, to steal $750,000, is quickly thwarted when it turns out they were robbing the mob. The four would-be criminals are caught, tied up, and their lives are held in the hands of the Mob boss’s son, Little Tuna, and his associate Sal. This supposedly perfect crime turns out to be anything but that, and a hysterical (and surprisingly heartfelt) battle for their lives begins.

Masterfully directed by Bernie Cardell, this production proved that he isn’t afraid of anything. The material, though dark and certainly R-rated, is treated with the realism and heart that it needs, thus allowing the audience to escape into this surreal and oddly fanciful world. It helps, of course, that he has an incredible cast with chemistry so alive and so strong that it leapt off the stage. Sarah Mae Johnson took on the role of Maggie, the recovering Kleptomaniac that seeks the help of Paul (David Harms.) Johnson’s portrayal of Maggie was actually quite heart breaking. Johnson’s eyes were the windows, showcasing a pain and depth to the character that was impossible to miss. Her accent may have slipped in and out a bit, but that was easily forgotten when confronted with the chameleon-like way she dove into a character that was so filled with pain. Harms was also perfectly cast – the energy and life he brought to the role of Paul played off the dark and moody Maggie just beautifully.

Christian Mast reveled in the role of Flaco. It was crystal clear that Mast was having the time of his life, his every movement carefully choreographed and every syllable carefully spoken. The role of Flaco is quite stereotypical of the many wannabe gangster types that can be seen at the mall on Saturday afternoons buying oversized pants and expensive sneakers, but Mast treated him with heart as well. Moments of warmth and heart peppered his hilarious portrayal of this comic-book like character, and the audience roared with appreciative laughter. 

Equally as strong and equally as much of a delight to watch is the rest of the cast. There isn’t really a weak link here. Jacqueline Garcia’s Boochie is delightfully raunchy and hilarious. Brian Brooks as the butter-loving Little Tuna is hilarious to watch as he orders around the much larger Sal (Russ Dale.) They were reminiscent of Spike and Chester, the Looney Tunes characters that featured a Bulldog that was ordered around by a much smaller Terrier. Again, perfect casting aided in this comically mismatched duo. Rounding out the cast was Len Matheo as Big Tuna, who enters towards the end of act two to clean up the mess. Matheo certainly brought a Tony Soprano-like quality to his every step, and commanded the stage. Truly this was a stellar cast that worked brilliantly together.

As much fun as Den of Thieves is to watch, the set is equally puzzling. Designed by Brian Miller, it features large black columns that create a maze-like background. It was explained to me that the intent was to create a closed in and claustrophobic sense to the staging. Unfortunately, if it needs to be explained, it probably doesn’t work. I applaud Miller for thinking outside the box and trying a different type of staging, but he did miss his mark here, as it was more confusing than anything else.

Set aside, the rest of this show is pure hilarity. The holidays are a time of stress, commitments, expectations, and inevitable disappointments – so why not take the time out of your day to head over to Vintage Theatre and enjoy some laughs. I did, and it certainly worked for me. Den of Thieves is playing through November 29th, so you still have time.