Theater Review:

A Noise Within usually takes a fresh, daring approach to classical theater. Their latest production, “The Night of the Iguana” by Tennessee Williams, sticks to the standard interpretation, making for an experience as lazy as a hot afternoon in August.

Every aspect of the show is done well and with great sensitivity, but I found myself wishing it were over. But then, I may not be the right person to ask because I actually prefer Tennessee Ernie Ford to Tennessee Williams.

I don’t fault the actors. They are all masters of their trade. Geoff Elliott plays T. Lawrence Shannon, recovering alcoholic tour guide and defrocked minister, with typical relish. He’s taken his tour group of teenage girls and their uptight, upset schoolmarm off the scheduled itinerary and has led them to one of his favorite spots in southern Mexico, the Hotel Costa Verde.

The proprietress there, Maxine Faulk (played by the sultry Deborah Strang), has recently lost her husband, Fred, the Rev. Shannon’s good friend. Maxine and Shannon obviously have history, perhaps sexual history. Their relationship is an interesting one to watch unfold. She offers shaky advice to Shannon in regard to his serious predicament. Not only has he led his tour group astray, he is accused of bedding one of the 16-year-old coeds. Maxine’s advice? Have a rum and coco and stay a few days.

Into this tangled web walk two unusual characters, a very old poet, just this side of senility, and his lovely daughter, a sketch artist-for-hire. Jill Hill does a fine job as Hannah Jelkes, creating a woman surprisingly confident and gutsy for her day (1940s), yet maintaining a certain angelic, virginal quality about her, because after all, she is a spinster.

It’s unclear what feelings Shannon and Hannah have for each other, and the actors have a good time teasing the audience with this fact. In any case, she provides a great foil for Shannon and the many demons he’s fighting.

The characters are rich, complex and a-stereotypical. So how could it be that I didn’t care what happened to the people in this seedy hotel on a remote Mexican hilltop? It can’t be the Pulitzer-winning playwright’s fault. Or could it? Perhaps. But I also believe the director, Michael Murray, made a few wrong turns.

The staging is uncomfortable at times. For example, in the first scene there is a lot of yelling on and off stage, which does not help to create an intimate sense of time and place. In contrast, the lighting is beautiful and does much to evoke the feeling of a Mexican villa. Gels and colored lights are used to great effect and fade ups/fade outs are smooth, creating a sultry feel to the place. The set is pleasing and unique and features a particularly cool perk . . . running water.

There is much to be commended in “Night of the Iguana” at A Noise Within. One will find great acting, world-class writing, nice sets and good costumes. But this critic thinks the play should’ve been called “The Night of the Big Yawn-a.”

 LISA DUPUY is a freelance writer and art teacher living in La Crescenta.  LISA DUPUY is a freelance writer and art teacher living in La Crescenta.