BWW Reviews: THE TWILIGHT ZONE: LIVE! at Theater Schmeater

Theater Schmeater is currently presenting their latest installment of their wildly popular stage adaptations of the classic TV series with "The Twilight Zone: Live!"  And while I've seen some of the Zones before and even some of these episodes done previously, I don't believe I've seen them done better.

Based on classic episodes of the 50's and 60's TV series created by Rod Serling, in this installment Schmeater has chosen three absolute classic episodes.  First off we have "The Obsolete Man" where we get to look into the last few hours of the life of a man the government has decided they no longer need.  Followed up by one of my favorites (and most people's for that matter) "Time Enough At Last" where we meet a man who wants nothing more than to be left alone and read and who unfortunately gets his wish.  And finally they're presenting "The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street" where the fear of the unknown and different over runs a quiet suburban neighborhood.

And all three stories are wonderfully portrayed with that perfect 60's TV style by these amazing actors, Megan Ahiers, Ashley Bagwell, Deniece Bleha, Lisa Branham, Rob Burgess, Tracy Leigh, J.D. Lloyd, Jon Lutyens, John Q. Smith, and Lisa Viertel headed up by director Tim Moore who also returns as the man himself, Rod Serling.  And that's what makes these so enjoyable, is the devotion to the style.  The stories and the shows themselves are still fun to watch these days.  Although they've gotten a little cheesy at times by today's standards, that's half of the fun.  And the folks at Theater Schmeater know exactly how to play that style without making fun of it.  They present it as honestly as possible and let the audience get what they will from it.

Moore as always is amazing as Serling.  After so many years of portraying him, he's got the impression down.  But then everyone is amazing in the shows but I must mention a few stand outs.  Smith's perfect delivery almost to the point of overdone completely sold the final piece.  Every time he opened his mouth you couldn't help but giggle.  Lutyens was incredible as the bureaucrat looking to callously dispose of someone he deems obsolete.  And I was completely blown away by the versatility and power of Burgess who seemed to be spotlighted in all three stories.  Especially his turn in "Time Enough At Last" playing the iconic Burgess Meredith role of Henry Bemis was a sight to behold.  He had the heart, moves and voice of Meredith down perfectly but still managed to make the part his own and by the end I was practically in tears.  I've seen Schmeater perform this episode before but this production was far and away the best I've seen of this or any Zone episode.

So if you're a fan of the Zones this is one not to miss.  And if you've not been, what are you waiting for?  It amazes me how many people I've spoken to who have no idea that these astounding gems exist right in the heart of Capitol Hill and have for years.  And this would be a perfect production to introduce yourself to a treasure that will keep you coming back for more.  As Rod might say, "We'll file this production under M for Magnificent!"

"The Twilight Zone: Live" performs at Theater Schmeater through April 16^th.  For tickets or information contact Brown Paper tickets at 1-800-838-3006 or the theater box office at 206-324-5801 or visit them online at www.schmeater.org.

Photo Credits: D Hastings & R MacStravic

 

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