The Stranger
The term “Spaghetti Western” is a nickname for a broad sub-genre of Western films that emerged in the mid-1960’s mostly named so because they were produced by Italians. This version of the Western was often far grittier and bloodier than their American counterparts of the time and the stories often offered far more ambiguity and realism to the heroes and villains, much like today’s Deadwood. “The Stranger” is an original Spaghetti Western Musical written by Eva Anderson (Wildboy ’79) and Keythe Farley (Bat Boy: The Musical; also the director) with original music by Anthony Bollas (8-bit) produced by Bootleg Theatre.
The action takes place in the tiny Nevada Desert town of San Lorenzo. Here, the town is ruled by Lagarto, who has killed the sheriff and kidnapped his sixteen-year-old daughter Lucinda. The people of the town are weak and want to fight back, but Miranda Coolidge is the only one standing up for them. Plus she is hiding the late sheriff’s treasure and the world view of the whole town shifts when a mysterious stranger blows in and changes the rules of the game.
Cameron Dye plays The Stranger and from the opening moments to the closing, you never know if you are going to see a hero, a martyr or a man simply playing the cards life has dealt him. There are moments when you see a little “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly” in Dye, but it is never too much. He is creating an iconic character of silence and actions all his own in this man. Michael Dunn as Lagarto is the perfect foil to Dye – he talks too much, is full of himself and his own worth and indestructibleness. You love every moment with him, every evil dead and root for him till the very end. Dunn never judges Lagarto, and this allows him to be funny and sweet in moments while sinister in others.
Other notable performances included Joe Hernandez-Kolski as The Padre in a role that required excellent tact and execution which Hernandez-Kolsi handles beautifully, as well as Ann Closs-Farley as the brassy Miranda, who captures the Mae West strength and femininity to a T while belting out the gripping music inspired by Ennio Morricone. Molly O’neill also gave a heartbreaking performance as the transformed Lucinda, riding the line between animal and woman.