- From Left: Mary Lou Wolfe: (Nancy) Louise Bigelow: (Mrs. Manningham) Richard Robson: (Inspector Rough) Charline Conklin: (Elizabeth) Jack Burtch: (Mr. Manningham)
"Angel Street" April 1960
By Patrick Hamilton, Directed by Richard Lane
|
| Not pictured: George Conger, Roy King: (Policemen) |
|
From The Aberdeen Daily World, Friday April 8, 1960
Suspense, well sustained, believable portrayals of five diverse characters and intelligent direction added up to interesting theater for opening night viewers of "Angel Street."
A receptive audience last night saw Patrick Hamilton's Victorian thriller, second production of the Driftwood Players, which will run through Sunday night at the playhouse in Cosmopolis.
Under the direction of Richard Lane, the cast of five brought to life quite vividly the psychological drama of Jack Manningham, who is deliberately and systematically attempting to drive his wife, Bella, insane.
We thought Louise Bigelow as Bella was superb. The part was a difficult one which could easily be overplayed by an amateur. Mrs. Bigelow really was Bella, struggling to maintain her sanity and more than half convinced that she actually was going mad.
TYRO COMPETENT
We understand that Jack Burtch, young Grays Harbor deputy prosecutor, is relatively inexperienced in the theater, but he did a more than competent job in his interpretation of the cold and cynical Jack Manningham. We are certain that had the play been performed before an old-time audience he would have received enough boos to satisfy the most professional villain.
Richard Robson capably portrayed the real hero of the piece, Sergeant Rough. In our opinion, he used a great deal of imagination in bring out the many facets of the brusque, sympathetic and somewhat vain inspector's character.
Pretty Mary Lou Wolfe was the saucy and impertinent maid, Nancy. And while we thought she might have acted a bit more of the hussy, she managed very well to put across the idea of the young woman's personality.
HOUSEKEEPER GOOD
This reporter was quite impressed with Charline Conklin. Hers was a bit part and carried relatively few lines. Yet, through her facial expressions and general demeanor, she gave the audience a clear insight into the loving and sympathetic character of Elizabeth, the housekeeper.
Good lighting made an important contribution to the excellence of the production.
The show last night had a few rough spots which no doubt will be completely smoothed out by tonight's performance.
A word about the carpentry project recently completed in the playhouse. Every seat in the house is a good seat now as a result of the installation of new risers.
Home Driftwood Players Inc. Webmaster Larry Tingwall