THEATER REVIEW: The Swedish Match @ Mascher Space Co-Op, 5/9

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THEATER REVIEW: The Swedish Match @ Mascher Space Co-Op, 5/9

POSTED: Wednesday, May 12, 2010, 5:43 PM

In line with their dedication to "re-imagined classics" and Russian theater traditions, Red Square Theatre presents the world premiere of an Anton Chekhov short story, adapted for the stage. The company's respect for the beloved Russian playwright is especially apparent in their costumes and scenery; this commitment to classic conventions is admirable, but it's difficult to make appealing in more modern venues. Set in a small Russian town in the mid-1880s, The Swedish Match presents a universal plot line of two polar-opposite detectives (or "buddy cops" in later permutations) attempting to muddle through a murder mystery. While the plot, and the predictable cast of suspects, present no surprises to modern viewers, it is interesting to see firsthand how Chekhov established these now-common conventions. Unfortunately, though, the play's four writers offer little innovation of their own. At Sunday's matinee performance, the already-stiff dialogue wasn't helped by the actors' low energy, which didn't pick up until the climax. The main challenge in watching The Swedish Match is sorting out who's who. There were a total of 12 characters, with several names, portrayed by 10 actors, and the program does little to help the audience keep track of everyone. Director Mark W. Robson seemed to have stressed that his actors make their multiple characters as distinct as possible, to make the ensemble piece look less cluttered. This tactic was employed with varying levels of success: Some standouts were Jeff Luttermoser, as the apprentice detective Dukovsky, whose over-eager sleuth was the only consistently energetic presence; and Matt Mancuso, as the groundskeeper Pytor, who stayed committed to his increasingly unlikable character. Red Square Theatre's earnest desire to entertain is evident in The Swedish Match, and likely achievable with a little more innovation, practice and caffeine.

Through May 16, redsquaretheatre.weebly.com/events.html.

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