Theater Review: Theatre of Death

by Alexandra Bonifield of North Dallas Gazette

Chills. Thrills. Things that go bump (and grind) in the night. They titillate. They spellbind. They terrify. They may disgust. This play event locks its fangs on your imagination and drags it to the deepest, dank recesses of the human psyche. It’s such a fun way to spend a fall evening!

Kicking off MBS Productions’ 4th season at the Stone Cottage in Addison, Theatre of Death consists of a series of vignettes in two acts with one dark, unifying theme. According to Mark Brian-Sonna, the producer/director and also a performer, "these plays (are) a form of Spanish theatre dating back to the Middle Ages, known as Teatro Breve." Before you decide that’s too ancient and decrepit, SNL at its most perverse could learn a few tricks (and treats) from this production. It sure ain’t “proper viewing” for decent, God-fearing folk!

The cast of seven inspired, fearless souls weaves a mesmerizing ensemble performance ranging from a cappella chant and tone poem to farcical melodrama, dance and an almost too realistic depiction of a “day in the life” of a serial killer. The washes of rose, rust, crimson, scarlet and burgundy light that bathe the performers in the intimate cottage space focus the production’s somber ambience of doom and mayhem and create stark contrast between each piece while binding them together. Have a glass of wine. Have several. You may need them.

It’s hard to pinpoint highlights, as each vignette offers a wealth of creative delight. Greeted on opening night by the most exuberant audience response were the final pieces of each act. Act I’s “Floor 13” concerns a surreal elevator ride from Hell for four hapless people held captive by their elevator (shades of Hal the Computer). Their terms of “release” create uncanny comic business. By the time one male character politely asks the other, ”Shall I go down on you first, or do you want to do me?” as they strip down to crimson Speedos, the audience erupts in hysterical laughter. I won’t spoil the ending!

The culminating vignette of Act II is the most controversial in the show with the most completely realized script and brilliant acting performances by Mr. Sonna and Carol Anne Gordon. The slight pause before the piece begins allows weak–stomached audience members time to step outside the cottage. At its conclusion, the audience sits in stunned silence. It’s worth the price of the whole evening, if you can handle it.

Attending Theatre of Death: The Deadliest Plays is rather like experiencing the “House of Horrors” at a Traveling Carnie Show; you won’t come out the same as you went in. Kudos to Matt Fowler, Carol M. Rice, Jana McGill, Heather Hill, Travis Mayo, Carol Anne Gordon, Alejandro de la Costa, Tiffany Hillert and Mark-Brian Sonna for a spine-tingling, superlative production.

Purchase tickets online or by calling 214-477-4942.

Alexandra Bonifield is an independent arts critic & advocate for performance art