‘Sleuth’ at Falcon a can’t-miss act

Dink O’Neal

A picture-perfect cast and Broadway-caliber production values make

“Sleuth,” at Burbank’s Falcon Theatre, an absolute must-see.

Kudos go to renowned Los Angeles-area theatrical director Michael

Michetti for helming a razor-sharp version of playwright Anthony

Shaffer’s Tony Award-winning, two-act thriller. His ability to keep

an audience off-guard yet focused on the action, whether a moment is

terrifying or comedic, is a quality oft lacking when it comes to

handling this style of show.

But Michetti didn’t pull off this feat single- handedly. Casting

director Sandi Logan deserves special mention for procuring actors

with the chops to handle Shaffer’s acerbically witty dialogue and

plot twists.

Foremost is Mark Capri, playing world-famous mystery author Andrew

Wyke in whose country estate the play’s action takes place. His

physicality, glances, intentions, reactions and line readings are

sheer perfection. Capri’s comic timing, too, is flawless, judging by

the way he had the audience hanging on his every word and inflection.

It is indeed a rare instance when theatergoers are treated to a

performance of which it can truly be said an actor was born to play.

In this reviewer’s humble opinion, this role must surely be one of

Capri’s crowning achievements.

This is not to say that his co-star, Elijah Alexander, isn’t

worthy of equal credit for his portrayal of Milo Tindle, a London

travel agent now dating Wyke’s estranged wife, Marguerite.

Alexander’s strength lies in a subtle intensity he exudes that

complements Capri’s more theatrical flair. His character’s simmering

skepticism of his never-to-be-trusted host breaks the surface to

provide conflict between the characters as they struggle to best each

other in gamesmanship and male superiority.

In addition to these leading players, excellent supporting turns

are provided by Larry L. Grahams, Michele Nacia and Leo Raul Cervinei

as highly distinctive police officers. As for the incredible level to

which the Falcon’s technical staff has raised the bar, it is hard to

know where to begin.

Tom Buderwitz’s spectacular two-story set is, without a doubt, the

best I’ve seen in Los Angeles so far this year.

The detail of the rock walls, the rough-hewn beams and the massive

upstage windows are jaw-dropping.

Still, it wouldn’t be half so impressive without Terry Hanrahan’s

phenomenal collection of props decorating the stage. Posters related

to Houdini and the Great Alexander adorn the walls. Porcelain

figurines, hidden clues and knickknacks galore inhabit every nook and

cranny.

And what would all of this look like without award-winning

lighting designer Jeremy Pivnick’s stunning illumination? His

multicolored wall sconces are particularly appealing. This production

is that perfect storm of top-drawer talent and creative artistry.

Miss it at your peril!

* DINK O’NEAL of Burbank is an actor.