Breaking and Entering
Colin Mitchell’s play, Breaking and Entering, playing at Theatre 40 in Beverly Hills, is 105-minutes of mystifying dialogue. It opens with elderly Wallace Trumbull (Steven Shaw) relaxing in his home (a well-crafted set by Jeff G. Rack) and watching a ballgame being announced by Bob (Lary Ohlson) and Jack (Christopher Gehrman). But suddenly the power in his home goes out, he hears the barking of his dogs and he opens the window to scold them. The dogs continue to bark and he goes out to see what is causing the commotion; that’s when Milly (Meredith Bishop) climbs through the open window.
Wallace Trumbull is a famous author who had written a masterpiece fifty years ago, after which he withdrew to his home, becoming a recluse. Milly has been his ardent fan since college, and now wants him to read the novel that she has written entitled “Breaking and Entering.” He finds her audacious and unable to rid her from his home. During their encounter, it is unclear whether either of them is what they purport to be, and as the play progresses, the mystery builds up as to who the truthful one really is, finally developing to a climax that is totally unexpected.
Shaw’s performance is enigmatic, keeping the audience wondering what his next step will be. Bishop plays Milly with just the right amount of chutzpah (nerve), even under the most frightening of moments. Mark L. Taylor’s direction, Jeremy Pivnick’s lighting and Bill Froggatt’s sound, help create the tension of this inexplicable, well-done production. Plays Wed.-Sat., 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. through Sept. 6.
Theatre 40
241 Moreno Drive
Beverly Hills, CA
Reservations: (310) 364-0535
For more information, www.theatre40.org