Photo by Matt Keyser
Shane Robert (left) portrayed Mike, the brother of the play’s victim, Beth (Jenny Tobin) in North Lake Theatre’s “A Life of the Mind.” Also pictured: Dustin Sautter and Misty Franklin.
Powerful cast, authentic dialogue bring dark play to light
By Vincent Cervantes, Staff Writer
With one of the opening lines being, “I killed her Frankie, I killed her!” it was obvious that the North Lake College production of A Lie of the Mind was going to be intense and dark.
Using Pulitzer Prize winner Sam Shepard’s play, first-time director Michael McKee mixed some levity with serious issues faced by two different dysfunctional families, tied together by marriage and filled with jealousy and rage.
Issues of domestic violence and psychopathy were evident. Family secrets also were slowly unveiled as the play moved toward its surprising end. But lighter moments were surprisingly plentiful, which makes the label ‘dark comedy’ logical.
The star of the play was Brad Smeaton, who portrayed the envious, hateful, battering husband, Jake. In moments of rage and delusion, Smeaton was convincing.
Jenny Tobin played Beth, a beautiful actress who suffered brain damage at the hands of her abusive husband, Jake. Her performance was wonderful.
“She played a believable braindamaged and … abused person,” said one member of the audience, Sherrie McCoy. “Her speech and mannerisms were spot-on.”
Mike and Frankie, brothers of Jake and Beth, were played by Shane Robert and Eloy Corral.
The brothers sometimes saw things that their relatives missed.
When Mike (Robert), aggravated by his family’s obliviousness said, “It’s getting hard to tell if anybody around here knows anything about anybody else,” it was a little bit frustrating for the audience as well.
Jasmine Sadry and Misty Franklin played Lorraine and Meg, respective mothers of Jake and Beth. They also delivered the majority of the play’s humor. Their performances were memorable and brought accents to their characters that sounded authentic.
Lauren Payne portrayed the character of Sally, sister of raging wife-beater Jake. Payne was solid and sharpened her role into surgical steel.
Dustin Sautter, who was supposed to play Baylor (Beth’s father), had to be hospitalized the day before opening night. Filling in for him was Justin Gage, who did a good job considering the lack of time he had to prepare for the role. The play didn’t suffer, thanks to his performance.
McKee wanted to direct the play since he first saw it in 1987 at the Dallas Theater of Arts. His directorial debut was good, and when asked, he said he was very pleased with how opening night went.
“It’s a powerful play that will leave a lasting impression,” McKee said.
McKee picked the Arena Theatre for the play’s venue, and it was a brilliant choice. It provided a more intimate setting that allowed the audience to see and feel the actors’ emotions.
The unsung heroes of the play were the behind-the-scenes people, including Alice Butler, who served as the producer and acting coach. Megan Duelm was stage manager. Crystal Holub was assistant director, and Jesse Gage provided live music.
John Moseley’s set was terrific. Transitions were seamless and timely, thanks to the running crew and their chief, Michael Whitfield.
A Lie of the Mind opened March 5 and ran through March 8, and March 26-28.