‘Eldritch’ Mines World of Lost Illusions

Something is rotten in Eldritch, the fading mining town where all the old buildings are, as one inhabitant puts it, “bowing and nodding.”

In Lanford Wilson’s 1966 “The Rimers of Eldritch,” now in a well appointed revival by Singular Productions at the Ivy Substation in Culver City, the gossipy townsfolk are abuzz over the murder of Skelly Mannor (Bryan Rasmussen), a notorious derelict and peeping Tom. Skelly is believed to have been shot to death while attempting to rape local innocent Eva Jackson (Amy Keating), but as Wilson slowly strings together the fractured pieces of this Gothic tale, a more complicated truth emerges.

Aside from its inherent interest for fans of Wilson (who went on to greater fame with “Balm in Gilead,” “Talley’s Folly” and other plays), “Rimers” represents an intriguing study in theatrical narrative. With deft chronological jumps and sudden stabs of humor and insight, Wilson convincingly depicts the crushed illusions of an entire town. This is true even though the tale itself is sometimes overwrought and melodramatic.

Director Mark Bringelsonuses his 17-member ensemble judiciously, neatly blocking their movements on Douglas D. Smith’sspare, geometrically patterned set.

* “The Rimers of Eldritch,” Ivy Substation, 9070 Venice Blvd., Culver City. Thursdays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; this Sunday, 8 p.m. Ends Aug. 30. $18. (310) 558-1555. Running time: 2 hours, 20 minutes.