“Recall” Review by Rose Desena
This Week in Theater
“Recall”
By Eliza Clark
Review by Rose Desena
Big Brother is Watching!
What would the world be like if there was a way to eliminate the deviant population before they could create havoc in society? Recall them like a bad car part or a faulty toy?
Eliza Clark (Writer) explores the dark side of a Surveillance State as well as mother and daughter bonding, co-dependents, psychotic behavior and, last but not least, sibling rivalry.
This Sci Fi Thriller hits a sensitive note. First, it’s a time in history when civilian surveillance by the government is under scrutiny, and asks if we are happy being watched? What does it mean in terms of our future? What if we could remove those children from society who are prone to violence? Could we have saved the lives of the innocent kids in Columbine, Colorado or kept Kathleen Heide from the bullies that lead to her needless suicide? Perhaps! It is certainly food for thought. Or is it just too ominous to think about?
Madeline Bertanie (Lucy) is fantastic as the morally spent daughter of a trailer-trash Mom. She is so believable she sent chills down my spine. Karen Nicole (Justine) really grew on me as the play progressed, at first emotionally absent then turning manipulative.
Both Clark and Dan Spurgen (Director) hit the mark when it comes to leaving the audience a little disturbed. It is what The Visceral Theater Company does best, and this production is no exception. Drew Blakeman (Producer) and Dan Spurgeon (Artistic Director) love all that is gloomy, sinister and mysterious.
However, I would have liked a little more story wise. I felt cheated, I was left to guess what Justine’s crazy sister did when they were growing up, and how did the therapist get her position. I left with unanswered questions, but hay, its Science Fiction. Or is it?
The stage set designed by Chris Bell was brilliant and hits the audience with a “wow” experience.
If you’re a fan of the Visceral Company or just want to take a walk on the dark side check this out.
RECALL
By: Eliza Clark
Directed: by Dan Spurgeon
CAST:
Madeline Bertani (Lucy),Lara Fisher (Charlotte), Kevin Grossman (Quinn)
Karen Nicole (Justine), Mark Souza (David)
Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 pm, Sunday matinees at 3 pm
March 21 through May 4, 2014
The Lex Theatre, 6760 Lexington Ave., Hollywood, CA 90038
