"Angel Street"
Theater Review by Jackie Houchin

ANGEL STREET, the third production in the 2007 season at Sierra Madre Playhouse is a "classic Victorian thriller." Originally known in London as "Gaslight" (re-titled "Angel Street" for its Broadway debut) this edge-of-your-seat mystery was written by Patrick Hamilton and takes place 1880 London ... in a posh, gas-lit Victorian sitting room.

The exceptional set and lighting design ( David Calhoun) and period costumes ( Lois Tedrow) add to the authentic atmosphere of the play, and ingenious "footlights" at the edge of the stage lend a touch of melodrama.

The story follows the abusive and condescending Jack Manningham ( Christopher Rydman) who systematically torments his wife, first by using tenderness, then cruelty, in order to accomplish his own diabolical plans.

Rachel Sorsa Khoury plays the emotionally distraught Bella Manningham, who even in happy moments is borderline hysterical. When household items begin to disappear and she is accused of doing things she can't remember, Bella fears for her sanity, haunted by her own mother's death in an insane asylum.

Rydman and Khoury play these two roles with a skill and intensity that will leave you breathless... and disturbed. The unrelenting tension that builds between them is almost palpable - a tribute to director, Stan Kelly.

Is Bella really going mad, or is something else afoot? What is causing the noises she hears in the attic? Why do the gaslights dim and brighten? Where does Jack go when he disappears into the London fog each evening?

The answers to these mysteries begin to be revealed when a Scottish sleuth arrives on the scene. Steve Gustafson plays the retired Detective Rough who believes in Bella's sanity, and with "mischief and justice," proceeds to prove some very disturbing things about her husband's past. His every scene ends in climatic suspense.

Detective Rough also brings a needed shot of comic relief to this extremely tense play. It's not until the audience expels a short laugh that they realize how tightly they've been gripping the arm rests. As the suspense rebuilds the audience again becomes silent and motionless, experiencing vicariously Bella's mounting terror and confusion. Ten minutes before the end, the "right" thing happens ... but two minutes later the audience will be silently screaming, "No! No! No!"

ANGEL STREET is a must-see, edgy and disturbing, psychological thriller!


Playing Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00, Sundays at 2:30, now through June 9.

General admission: $20, Seniors/students: $17, Kids: $12.

For reservations call: 626-256-3809,
or order online at www.sierramadreplayhouse.org