Review: Under Milkwood
Interact Theatre Company, 11855 Hart St., North Hollywood, 818-773-7862
by Tyrone Willis
The Interact Theatre Company’s production of Dylan Thomas’ Under Milkwood inspires me to impart two words to NoHo readers: SEE IT! It’s a treasure—a rare experience in theatre—presented by a company of hard-hitting professionals with a rare and undeniable combination of heart and expertise.
The play traverses twenty-four hours in the fictional Welsh fishing village of Llareggub (“bogger all” spelled backwards). It exposes the personal histories, private thoughts, and public facades of more than sixty of the town’s inhabitants. We are tactfully, gently introduced to each character by two narrators (Gregory White and James McDonnell). By the end of act one, we are so involved with their entanglements that the intermission seems more of an interruption than the customary relief.
Thomas tells us that each of these characters have “a salty individuality” and the definitive ensemble cast does just that. The actors who come to portray the various characters do so with color, distinction and skill. Every performer is so highly impressive—there is simply not a weak link. A quick perusal of the cast bios reveals unusual accomplishments and experience for Equity waiver fare. Broadway, off-Broadway and top-notch regional theatre credits refreshingly replaced the normal bio space-filler witticisms and thanks to pets and parents.
Thomas’ poetic style can be daunting to even seasoned theatre-goers because, in less experienced hands, it can be dreadfully painful to sit through. In the hands of director James Gleason, it sculpts a wavering dance from the language that leads the audience by the nose into the pain of his hard living. He provides his characters texture with a salty set and delicate lighting design. Costume designers have created beautifully constructed versatile accessories and props that are smoothly modified as the roles change, providing the undeniable visual “tag” for each of the many characters.
Under Milkwood is a professional production for non-profit prices. Those who have never felt the lure of live theatre would do well to support the Interact Theatre Company regularly.♦