The Visit

Desperate times call for desperate measures, but ask yourself if you could ever resort to killing someone.

In Friedrich D�rrenmatt's offbeat play, "The Visit," adapted by local playwright Kevin Broccoli and now showing at Contemporary Theater Company, the poor citizens of a town on the verge of economic collapse are given the opportunity to experience how the other half lives, but only upon the death of a fellow resident.

A small group of New England villagers anxiously awaits the arrival of small-town girl turned socialite Claire Waxman (Rae Mancini), who fled her birthplace as a young woman amidst a sex scandal, but has since amassed tremendous wealth. During her visit, shop owner, and Claire's former lover, Ira Albertson (Jason Quinn), has been summoned by the Mayor (Charlie Sweigart) to request a much-needed handout from the esteemed visitor.

Claire agrees to bestow her hometown a huge sum of money, in return for the death of Ira, who betrayed her all those years ago. Everyone initially reacts dismissively and with disgust at the thought of any harm coming to their friend and neighbor, but Ira soon fears for his life when the locals start ordering top shelf liquor and suddenly appear bedecked in expensive jewelry and furs. All the while, Claire patiently waits for someone to accept her offer.

Given the immense popularity today of such massacre-friendly fare as "The Hunger Games," the premise of rewarding an entire town for a single homicide may pale in comparison, but this especially haunting scenario reminds us how fragile and unpredictable human nature can be when greed rears its ugly head. Witnessing a loyal, close knit group of individuals evolve almost instantly into selfish, superficial thieves is arguably more horrific than the premeditation of an actual murder.

Director Christopher Simpson effectively directs this large ensemble cast and churns out several top-notch performances. Sweigart is wonderful as the upstanding Mayor who, like his constituents, inevitably falls victim to circumstance. Supporting player Johnny Sederquist delivers a pained, purposeful performance as the Schoolmaster whose crisis of conscience fails to usurp his predisposition.

The always terrific Mancini shines once again as the wicked, vengeful Claire, manipulating everyone in her path, including her husbands, who change as often as the weather. As Ira, the victim and only discernible symbol of humanity and decency among this contemptuous crew, Quinn gives a sharp, commanding performance that is sullen and heartbreaking yet still dignified.

Scenes are interspersed with songs (mostly hits and a few misses) from composer and musician Matthew Requintina that complement the eerie, unsettling mood on stage, however, the most bizarre and puzzling component of the production comes in the form of Claire's sidekicks, Mara (Christine Cauchon) and Maya (Ashley Macamaux), two eunuchs dressed as clowns. Yes, you read that right.

Don't let the grisly basis of the story prevent you from seeing "The Visit," an entertaining, enriching, conversation-worthy experience.

"The Visit" continues through Nov. 15 at Contemporary Theater Company, 327 Main Street, Wakefield, RI. For tickets and info, visit www.contemporarytheatercompany.com