Shall We Play A Game?

October 20, 4:54 PMDenver Theater ExaminerDeb Flomberg

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Chris Bleau and Paul Page in Sleuth 

I love a good mystery. I grew up reading Nancy Drew, and then grew into Agatha Christie and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. There is something about that well crafted mystery, the one that takes a lot of twists and turns and leads you down roads that you never thought you’d go. Now playing at the John Hand Theater is the Firehouse Theater Company’s production of just such a mystery. Sleuth is the story of a successful mystery writer, Andrew Wyke, who lures his wife’s new lover to his home to discuss the situation and propose a solution. Wyke then begins the game. He sets off a chain of events that lead to murder, explosions, gun shots, deception, and so much more. However, since I once had the Sixth Sense ruined for me, I will not give too many details of the plot, as the twists and turns that the story takes are far too much fun to ruin.

Staring in Sleuth are Paul Page and Chris Bleau, fresh off their successful run in Spotlight’s 12 Angry Men. These two men dive recklessly into their roles and seem to truly enjoy taking the audience on the twisted ride.  The cat and mouse game starts immediately into the show as Paul Page pulls Chris Bleau into the game. Much of the movement, impeccably blocked by director Rick Bernstein has the two men circling each other and the stage, winding around the antique furniture as each man tries to top the other. Page is simply divine as he takes Andrew Wyke deeper and deeper into the mysterious and gripping story. Understated at first, then growing with madness, Page slowly becomes a caged animal as he winds around the set. Bleau also does a noteworthy job with his portrayal of Milo Tindle, the young man that is sleeping with Wyke’s wife. Bleau must provide Page with a worthy adversary in this game that the two of them are playing, and Bleau truly rose to the challenge. I must also make a particular mention for newcomer Eric Shalub and his impressive portrayal of Inspector Doppler. Shalub may be new to the Denver theatre scene, but be looking for him. He’s worth watching out for.

The set is simply stunning, and perhaps worth the price of admission alone. The minute you enter, you are transported to an English drawing room, complete with fireplace, bear skin rug, and Dresden figurines. Designed by the show’s director, Rick Bernstein, with the construction help of Aaron Carnevale, Jesse Pearlman, and Luke Terry, this may be the finest set I’ve ever seen in the John Hand Theater. It is also worth mentioning that this show is also very difficult technically, with explosions, gun shots, and more.  Carnevale, Pearlman, Terry, along with Leticia Bisgard and Cat Smith - the tech team for this show really deserves to be recognized.
 

Sleuth is a long show, and while it did drag a little in some spots, the overall effect is a thrilling journey through the mind of two equally matched and slightly demented men.  After all, what is better for a dark and stormy October night, then to enjoy a thriller such as Sleuth. Call now, reserve your tickets – then thank me later.

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