Review: 'The Killing Room'

MadLab's closing number is a visual treat that lacks emotion

By Dwayne Steward

Metromix

Sometimes theater calls for the brain to work a little harder than it's used to (or needs to), which is definitely the case in MadLab's closing production of Mark Cornell's "The Killing Room," a psychological thriller running at their Grant Street theater through Oct. 31.

Featuring a completely restructured stage setup in full ghoulish glory, the production (at a long-winded three hours, with a 10-minute intermission) chronicles the deteriorating psyche of Jack Whitmore (played by John Kuhn).

Plagued by ominous nightmares that often seem real, Whitmore—a lonely silent-moviehouse pianist—tries to unlock hidden secrets to his past and discovers a secret that could be his undoing. The plot culminates into a tragically abusive evening involving Whitmore's dead parents, sending Whitmore on a heralding journey for answers.

Kuhn nails the jittery, paranoid aspects of Whitmore, but we didn't quite believe the anguish and horrifying torture that he is often supposed to be experiencing. A moment where he relives the night his parents were killed falls flat.

The play lags a bit under Chris Lane's direction, but it's brilliantly staged. He makes quite a few wise choices, especially in surrounding Kuhn with a stellar supporting cast.

Stephen Woosley and Jennifer Feather stunningly portray the strained relationship of Whitmore's parents. Jessica Biggert brings a kooky innocence to Whitmore's broken-hearted girlfriend, Charlotte. Josh Kessler shines in his comedic rendering of the annoying, yet adorably clueless coworker. And Andy Batt is a scene-stealer as an eccentric but wise redneck named Booth.

Truthfully, the production's most dramatic element is the visual one. Doug Northeim's ambitious lighting and stage designs really pay off. Turning the entire room about 90 degrees to the left, he doubles the space of the stage and fills it with an abstract, otherworldly atmosphere that transplants you into Whitmore's disturbed mind. All of this is enhanced by a fog machine, real rain featured during thunderstorms throughout, and constantly changing light schemes (from horror red to moonlight blue).

The costumes—courtesy of Michelle Batt, Jenn Feather and Nikki Smith—are also incredible. Whitmore's dreams feature freakish monsters of the Freddy Krueger/Sandman variety, while a half goat/half girl (played by Traci Weaver) limped about in a neon orange woodland getup and full Hollywood-esque face makeup.

Though Cornell's knowing-your-past-means-knowing-your-future point is overdone at times, Lane takes his cue from Hollywood 1950s horror to present a visually terrifying treat for the eyes. We recommend taking a gander, if you dare.

"The Killing Room" by Mark Cornell runs 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at MadLab Theatre from Oct. 9-31. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased at the MadLab Web site.