BWW Reviews: Schmeater's TWILIGHT ZONE: LIVE! Offers Up The Creepy Mixed With The Sweet

Theatrically speaking, there are few things in this town that are a sure lock of enjoyment. Anything from New Century? Sure. Putting Bobbi Kotula on stage? Hell yes. And any of the "Twilight Zone: Live!" productions from Theater Schmeater? Damn Skippy! The tall, dark and brooding master of the bizarre, Rod Serling is back to take us into another dimension. A dimension of sight, a dimension of sound and a dimension of a kick ass night of eerie 60's fun that definitely qualifies as one of those sure locks I spoke of.

And for our consideration we have three classics. But then, aren't they all? In, "I shot an Arrow Into the Air" we take a trip with an early manned space mission that goes awry and strands its crew on a deserted planet with no hope of rescue. "It's a Good Life" shows us the blissful yet forced world created by the mind of young Anthony who just might wish you into the cornfield if you upset him. And to balance the macabre with the charming, "The Night of the Meek" offers up a drunken department store Santa given the chance to be the real thing.

The shows often focus on one main actor being the focal point of the evening and this time they picked Corey McDaniel. Not only does he have an effortless kind of delivery but he manages that 60's Zone style perfectly. Whether he's barking out orders, placating a demonic son or teaching us the true meaning of Christmas he engages like no other but plays it all quite close to the vest which makes it all the more intense when he does let go. Beyond McDaniel, director Tim Moore (who also plays Rod Serling to a scary T) always manages to assemble a stellar ensemble. But I must call out a few. Michael Oaks couldn't be funnier or more intense as he ranges from ridiculous store manager to a man fed up with a bleak existence. NiCK Edwards also manages that 60's style with ease and never lets you know which way his character is going until you get there. Anthony Duckett takes the audience to the pinnacle of eerie with his uber powerful Anthony and then absolute hilarity as the bratty Percy. And Alex Garnett goes from stirring drama to manic desperation to utter elfish joy with ease. Oh and those commercials. What would a 60's TV show be without commercials and Schmeater always comes up with some killers for their Zone Cocktail which the cast gleefully delivers.

As I said, the "Zones" have become a wonderful staple of the Seattle theater community and it's no small wonder that they consistently sell out. If you've seen one before, you know what I'm talking about and if you haven't, then get your butt in gear and get to one. You'll be hooked just like the rest of us. So get to this one now before it's too late. I said do it! Don't make me angry or I may just wish YOU into the cornfield.

"The Twilight Zone: Live!" performs at Theater Schmeater through June 15th. For tickets or information visit them online at www.schmeater.org or call 206-324-5801.

Photo credit: D. Hastings