Jobsite’s History of the Devil is scary good
October 31, 2008 at 12:09 pm by Anthony SalveggiLast night I caught Jobsite’s production of horror-meister Clive Barker’s History of the Devil at TBPAC. While I can’t say I caught every nuance or meaning of this dark, often chilling play, which tracks Satan’s actions throughout the course of history as he is put on trial for the right to re-enter Heaven, I can say it was a
highly entertaining, thought-provoking evening, particularly on the issues of the responsibility for evil and the existence of morality. At its core is some very fine acting, particularly from Steve Garland as Lucifer, Chris Rutherford in multiple roles (including Jesus and Dante) and Shawn Paonessa as the lawyer summoned to defend the Devil in court. From David M. Jenkins’ fine direction to Brian Smallheer’s minimalist but ominous red-and-black set, the Jobsite crew should be proud of itself for tackling what seems to be a difficult text and pulling it off. It’s far from a perfect play, leaving many ideas undeveloped, but well worth your time. One small quibble — if you’re sitting in the lower section of the Shimberg Playhouse, it’s very difficult to see the action when an actor is lying on the stage. While this wasn’t a problem for the bulk of the play, I felt a bit cheated that I couldn’t see the Devil writhing on Earth after being banished from Heaven. That quibble aside, I highly recommend the show, which runs through November 16.
October 31st, 2008 at 1:13 pm
Thanks for coming, Anthony, glad you enjoyed the show!!!
October 31st, 2008 at 2:12 pm
I agree Anthony - I wanted to see Steve (sans shirt and looking darkly delicious) on the ground too! It just reminded me that I need to get to the theater earlier and get in the front row!!!!!
November 7th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
Huge thank you to David J, for having me at last night’s performance. We truly enjoyed ourselves. I only wish I had a few extra pairs of eyes with which to take in everything that was happening on stage.
Helen did get have to do a bit of the bobble-head thing (we sat a couple rows back), which seemed much more pronounced when Mr. Garland took his shirt off.
November 8th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
Thanks, Jessica - Friday and Saturday this weekend have again sold out - but we have 5 more performances! This Sun. and next at 4pm and next Thu. - Sat. at 8pm. Hope everyone can make it.