Long ago, the mystery thriller was one of the mainstays of theater box offices, being extremely popular with audiences looking for a little excitement and escapism. Nowadays, in this post-modern world, the genre is looked down upon as unhip or corny unless done in the form of a parody.
Though mysteries still have a huge following (Olney’s recent production of Agatha Christie’s classic whodunit “The Mousetrap” was their most financially successful non-musical ever), that even the most cash-strapped of companies continue to avoid them is … well, a mystery.
Luckily, for those local fans of the genre, the American Century Theater has taken the positive step forward of presenting its first excursion into thriller territory with a revival of “Dr. Cook’s Garden,” a diabolical 1967 bone-chiller from the pen of Ira Levin, author of “Rosemary’s Baby”, “The Stepford Wives” and “The Boys from Brazil.”
As the play opens, medical graduate Jim Tennyson (J.B. Bissex) has just arrived back in his tiny hometown of Greenfield, Vt., for a weekend visit with his mentor, Doc Cook (David Schmidt), the town’s beloved (and only) doctor. Jim’s suspicions are aroused after he has a conversation with Cook’s housekeeper Doris Ludlow (Carol McCaffrey), who points out Greenfield is blessed in that the “good” people live long and healthy lives, while the “bad” people suffer unnaturally premature demises. Come to think of it, there are no handicapped people in Greenfield, either.
You can probably guess where all this is leading, but the beauty of Levin’s script is the way the various plot twists are revealed, rather than the twists themselves. The first two acts may be a little verbose (the second act is basically an ethical debate between the two main characters); the third act, however, is pure Grand Guignol at its most melodramatic.
Director Ellen Dempsey elicits top-drawer acting from her cast, particularly leads Bissex and Schmidt. Steve Lada’s fight choreography in the climax also deserves mention. American Century’s “Dr. Cook’s Garden” is just the thing for audiences who enjoy getting the bejesus scared out of them.
If you go
The American Century Theater’s production of “Dr. Cook’s Garden” runs through Oct. 4.
Venue: Gunston Arts Center’s Theatre II, 2700 S. Lang St., Arlington
Performances: 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Tickets: $25 to $32
More info: 703-998-4555; www.americancentury.com
