Date: Fri 15-May-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: SHANNO

Quick Words:

Yale-Rep-Petersburg-theatre

Full Text:

(rev "Petersburg" @Yale Rep)

Theatre Review--

Yale Rep Saves The Best For Last

(with cut)

BY JUNE APRIL

NEW HAVEN -- Advance press releases promised that the world premiere of

Petersburg at Yale Rep would be an unforgettable evening of theatre. And you

know what? It's true!

On all levels -- acting, script, lighting, costumes, direction, music and

content -- this is the best play Yale Repertory Theatre has presented all

season.

Petersburg is well paced and not too long, in spite of the lack of

intermission. A mixture of history, mystery, intrigue, wit and a bit of "cops

and robbers" antics, plus some mystical and spiritual considerations are

beautifully blended together. One must applaud C.B. Coleman's stage adaptation

of Andrei Bely's novel.

Opening with a rather droll and dry explanation about the city of Petersburg

and its role within the Russian empire, actor John Wylie is a deliciously

cadaverous bureaucrat in the czarous government of pre-revolutionary Russia.

Mr Wylie personifies the decaying system and its cumbersome status. As he

expostulates, something is happening to Petersburg right before the audience's

eyes.

Drawn to promises of the revolutionary spirit, the senator's son is given an

assignment to prove his commitment to the Cause: blow up his father with a

bomb he has been given. The explosive device is hidden within a sardine can.

The inherent symbolism is grounds for some post-theatre conversation, as is

the case with various situations posed in the play.

Also playing at anarchism are two women who are friends of the young man,

Nikolai, who is sensitively portrayed by Jason Butler Harner. There is a

rather telling line in the play that says (not verbatim) that those who are

harmless and well-intentioned are the worst kind of revolutionaries.

Exquisitely costumed by Linda Cho, Teri Lamm as the ebullient Varvara and

Sevanne Martin as the seductive (and married) Sofia dart in and out of

anarchical activism. They also hold seances which yield some funny and

unexpected results.

Truly outstanding is William Preston as the gnome-like Semyon Semyonych, who

is enough of a reason to see this play. Double agents abound, with skulking

figures rushing hither and yon, rather reminiscent of the film What's New

Pussycat , amid the creative set by Andrea Holland and team.

The three other actors -- Michael Potts, Richard Topol and Christopher McHale

-- all give their characters life and vitality. Each actor is well-suited for

his role.

Playing through May 23, this is a production worthy of one's time and money.

Director Evan Yionoilis' talents are abundantly evidenced in this play. Her

impressive credits literally show that she's been around the stage a time or

two.

For ticket reservations or other details, call 432-1234.