Driftwood Players

"Angel Street" March 1989

By Patrick Hamilton, Directed by Janice Wolfe

From The Daily World Sunday, February 26, 1989

'Angel Street' wife gets even

By Micki Colwell

Daily World correspondent

    A dominating, sinister husband and a seemingly frail and insecure wife are the focus of suspense and intrigue in the Driftwood Players production of "Angel Street."

    The show will run Friday and Saturdays through March 18 at the Driftwood Players Theater in Aberdeen.

     The $6 tickets are available at Harbor Drug in Hoquiam, City Drug and Captain's Cove in Aberdeen, and Sagen's Monte Drug in Montesano.

    A good director selects a well-written script, chooses the right cast and then finishes the show with exact timing and concentration on its subtle aspects. 

    Janice Wolfe is making her directing debut with "Angel Street," and has put together all the ingredients for a successful show.

    Wolfe has been associated with Driftwood Players for many years as a performer and backstage worker, and most recently was seen in "The Man Who Came To Dinner," as a more-than-slightly eccentric aunt. 

    She is a Chapter I/Learning Assistant Coordinator and Hi Cap teacher for the North Beach School, and we're sure to see more of her directing talent in later productions.

    The entire action of the play occurs in a house on Angel Street located in the Pimlico district of London in 1880.

    The play is an adaptation of the classic "Gaslight" movie staring Charles Boyer, Ingrid Bergman and Angela Lansbury from the 1940's.

    The elaborate set designed by Ernie Ingram, assisted by Bill Davis and Doug Sipe, with the construction by Jack Schrauger, Don Stubb, Jane Mezera, Betty Gretsch, and Marc Tomlinson.

    The cast is headed by Ron Richardson, a veteran of past productions including "Life With Father," "Crucifer of Blood," and most recently, last season's "The Foreigner." 

     Richardson, as Mr. Manningham, has a wonderful knack of playing the villain to the hilt. He employs many subtle touches to enhance his characterization. 

    At times this play seems like a melodrama, and the audience is tempted to "boo" as Richardson's character enters the room.

     In his "real life," Richardson is a foreign language teacher at Aberdeen High School.

    Joining Richardson is another experienced actor, Gary Morean, who has been seen in productions of "Bedroom Farce," "Death of a Salesman," and last season's "Majestic Kid." 

    Morean always brings high energy to his characterizations, and his portrayal of Rough, a venerable old detective, is thoroughly enjoyable. 

    As the catalyst of the show, Morean is a strong counterpart to the sinister Richardson, and keeps the play moving along rapidly with some light moments.

    A newcomer to the Driftwood stage and in fact to any acting part, Margaret Tingwall is cast as the heroine Mrs. Manningham, a role even most experienced actress would find challenging. 

    Tingwall does an extraordinary job of pulling off the insecure, frail wife who is afraid of her husband (Richardson) and worried she is going crazy, then transforming her into the cold and calculating woman who finds a way to get even. 

    With strong performances from the male leads, she is equal to the task as their counterpart.

     A talented hair stylist with Hair Unlimited, she appeared in last year's "Raindrops Review" singing and dancing parts, and got the acting bug.

     Tingwall's costume is a creation that was originally owned by Driftwood board member Jane Mezera's grandmother from Wisconsin. It was created between 1895 and 1905.

    Smaller roles are played by Margaret Nivills as the cook and Janice Smith as the saucy maid. 

    Nevills has been in many productions of Driftwood Players, Grays Harbor Civic Choir, and Nomah Productions and brings a spunky portrayal of the loyal servant who gets involved in the action.

    Smith, a first timer to Driftwood, is also up to the challenge of an experienced cast, exhibiting a strong performance as the flippant maid who has designs on the master of the house. 

    Bit parts of the policemen are played by Jim Backotich and Larry Tingwall.

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