THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, May 18, 1995 TAG: 9505180726
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B4 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
TYPE: Theater Review
SOURCE: BY FRANK ROBERTS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: MANTEO LENGTH: Medium: 56 lines
If you saw the movie, ``Laura,'' but age is catching up with you and you don't remember what happened, you'll enjoy the mystery romp at The Theatre of Dare.
The classy Vera Caspary story will keep your interest. But be warned: It can be somewhat slow and talky.
Much of the talking is done by Waldo Lydecker, the acidic critic who has a kind word for no one, except Laura.
His is the showiest character in the production. In the film, that character was mastered by Clifton Webb. At Manteo Middle School, Clifton Webb is mastered by Eric Hause.
His affected speech and mannerisms are done with class as the performer offers the kind of character you love to hear and love to hate.
Lydecker struts around, one hand on hip and the other waving about like an Italian orator, while discoursing like a Shakespearean performer.
``Laura'' is not a one-person play. But the Theatre of Dare show often comes close to that description, always bursting to full bloom when Hause whisks onstage.
The stage is Laura's apartment - a set that is letter-perfect.
The characters who are in and out of the apartment every few moments include Mike Hunter, looking properly urbane as detective Mark McPherson.
While he investigates the announced demise of the title character, McPherson manages to fall in love with the victim after gaping at her portrait.
Another male with a crush on the lady is Danny Dorgan, a teen heavy on the hormones, a small role handled convincingly by John Rutter. Another well-handled small role is that of the Irish maid, Bessie Cleary, a fun portrayal by Barbara Eng-Hong.
Shelby Carpenter, another of Laura's chums, is portrayed by Paul Jones. Jones handles his character decently. But at times he seems unsure of himself.
Kathy Morrison, as a woman involved in the goings-on, is both pleasant and interesting - if not always terribly intriguing.
She and Hause are involved in the play's best scene, an argument where they really dig in and dig at each other.
``Laura'' is a joy for anyone who enjoys ``Thin Man''-style mysteries. It has suspense, convincing characters and plenty of wit. ILLUSTRATION: THEATER REVIEW
What: Dramatic production of classic film ``Laura.''
Where: Manteo Middle School, Roanoke Island.
When: 8 p.m. today through Saturday.
by CNB