“The Postman Always Rings Twice”: Meeting of misplaced morals and fate.
Published online April 20, 2018
Photo by Dave Lepori
Take an empty dark stage add a few strong chairs a few roll on props and six fine intense actors and you have the frame of ‘The Postman Always Rings Twice.” A new adaptation from James M. Cain’s 1934 novel. Made into a movie seven times, in six different countries and at one time an opera, a radio show and three times a play. The Stage offers a new stark adaptation by Jon Jory.
Award winning Kenneth Kelleher directs this World Primer production holding a tight reign on every shocking moment.
Jonathan Rhys Williams plays the morally lost drifter Frank as Cora’s lover and narrator that keeps the audience aware of the paths and curves of the plot, Allison J. Rich (a Stage regular) takes on the role of Cora who connects with Frank physically, smolders through scenes with a vengeance – trying to forget her boring life and her older husband Nick the Greek, played by Robert Sicular.
A murder planned does not go as planned, an elopement is planned and also does not go as planned. They finally get Nick to his demise and this chilling story moves to Frank and Cora’s conscience and mistrust of each other.
Well acted and directed by all involved some playing multiple roles, Tanya Marie plays a engaging moment for Frank and a nurse, Justin Gordon plays the calculating, manipulative district attorney Sackett and a cop, Michael Bellino a sleazy detective.
Lighting and sound by Michael Palumbo and Cliff Caruthers are first-rate and fill the bare stage with reality and fitting music.
“The Postman Always Rings Twice” will keep you on edge and holds attention if not your breath at times.
DETAILS
“The Postman Always rings Twice”
Where: The Stage at 490 S. 1st St. in downtown San Jose
Time: 2 hours with one intermission.
Through: May 6
Tickets: $30.-$65
Reservations and Information: call 408/283-7142 or visit www.the stage.org
