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BY STUART DUNCAN
NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM
REVIEW
Peter Shaffer's 1973 play "Equus" was based on a small article in a suburban London newspaper that drew attention to a 17-year-old who blinded some horses in a local stable where he worked as a groom.
Shaffer never sought further details, but instead fashioned his play entirely from his imagination as to how and why such a crime might have been committed. His work, titled "Equus" became something of a detective story – containing both religious and sexual content – and was headed by a clinical psychiatrist.
It opened at London's Old Vic and two years later, in 1975, went to Broadway where it won a Tony Award as "Best Play." And, naturally enough, Hollywood grabbed it as a film a couple of years after that. The leading role was played by a number of fine actors, including for a brief time, Richard Burton.
College and community groups have found the work a strong resource as well as a challenge. The latest entry is Pinworth Productions, which has staged the piece at the Kelsey Theatre on the campus of Mercer County Community College in West Windsor.Director Lou Stalsworth has assembled a fine cast, added a brilliant set design (credit Kate Pinner), and has given us a decidedly American slant to the script. This, of course, loses a sense of the immediacy of the story, and causes a few bumps, especially when there is one Brit in the company and a few British pronunciations at odd times.
But the strong performances dominate: John Shanken-Kaye plays the psychiatrist, Martin Dysart, with a calm, collected demeanor Evan while conflicted within. Matty Daley, student at the College of New Jersey handles the role of Alan, the young man, with a fine split in his personality – reserved at the beginning, in full denial, then passionate and vulnerable as he faces the reality of his actions. Marina Vrahnos plays the judge who sentences him to observation with typical British reserve and a decidedly stiff upper-lip.
In fact she is indeed English and her last performance before coming to America was the role of Jill, the young girl who befriends Alan, arouses him and in the final analysis, causes the crime.
That role in this production is nicely played by Nicole Patrick, who manages to convey both a sense of innocence and a worldly, wise knowledge. Sean McGrath, accurately described by his son as "ruthlessly self-improved," is strong in a role that often is misplayed. Jean Prall Rosolino plays his wife in a slightly over-wrought manner.
The rather remarkable set design contributes effectively to the tale and at times enhances the mood. Robert Terrano's lighting design adds much.
"Equus" plays this weekend only – Fri. & Sat. evenings at 8 p.m., Sun. Nov. 8 at 2 p.m. at The Kelsey Theatre, 1200 Old Trenton Rd. in West Windsor. (609) 570-3333$14.00 adults.
