‘Earth and Sky’ brings film noir to stage
By Michelle Davey, Staff Writer
May 16, 2008 | 6 a.m.
A dark, seedy underbelly sets the stage for Douglas Post’s “Earth and Sky,” which combines murder, betrayal, mystery and tragedy in a strange and cruel depiction of the world’s hard, cold realities. Sometimes terrifying, sometimes oddly humorous and always dark, this could be the showing of a classic, black-and-white film noir – if it weren’t being performed by student actors in the Baker Theater.
“Earth and Sky,” a Lost Flamingo Company production, introduces Sara and David, a young couple in love who have known each other for only two months. When David turns up dead, Sara is determined to find out why. The audience follows Sara as she desperately tries to clear her lover’s name, all the while discovering that she might not have known the real David.
Director Mike Reynolds and his stellar cast and crew are hard at work adding the last touches to the performance, which will be shown at 8 p.m. May 16 and 17 at the theater on the second floor of Baker University Center.
The script’s film noir style is what attracted Reynolds to the play. “I was hunting for a very film noir kind of experience,” he said, adding that when he found the expertly written “Earth and Sky” this past fall, he knew he had found a perfect fit.
The show is dark in many ways: the characters, their actions, the comedy and even the set. A dark skyline and walls covered with graffiti accent the background. The set is a deliberate match to the dark, film noir style of the play, set designer Drew Lupson said.
“[Reynolds] wanted a film noir with a modern feel,” Lupson said, adding that the graffiti adds an urban feeling to the setting because Sara is visiting dangerous neighborhoods throughout the play.
This production is unique from other LFC plays in that the performance is fluid, Reynolds said. “It’s technically one act drawn out to two hours,” he said. “There’s constant motion.”
Kristen Nehls, who plays Sara, is onstage nearly every moment. The characters simply move from one part of the stage to another as lighting is used to dim and illuminate the different sections of the set. No act breaks or intermissions are incorporated into the show.
The plot alternates between Sara’s increasingly dangerous search for the truth and flashback scenes of the young couple before David’s death. These scenes of the past are heartbreaking to watch once once one is reminded that David is now dead. They also provide insight into Sara and David’s short relationship.
Kristin Nehls’ portrayal of Sara easily breaks the audience’s heart. Whimsical and in love, Nehls seems to radiate joy when she is with David. The two clearly are enamored with each other, and their conversations are bittersweet in the play’s context. In contrast, Sara is intelligent and determined, if not just a bit naïve, in the face of both the police and the criminals she faces.
As David, Drew Crabtree creates a solid and charming character. Crabtree’s performance makes it easy to see why Sara would trust this man after only a few months. He is kind and affectionate toward Sara, often professing his undeniable happiness in their relationship. He seems sturdy and reliable, and audience members may wonder if they have been duped by David too.
In another standout performance, Bryan Cain plays the bitter, sarcastic Detective Weber. Cain’s timing gives his sarcasm a comedy kick, even in an emotional scene. He is just the right amount of compassionate cop and sleazy jerk to make the character likable, despite his language and infidelity to his wife.
The supporting cast is just as talented. Chris Griswold plays the creepy Eisenstadt, whose stilted voice and stiff demeanor send chills up the spine. Ryan Czerwonko, who plays Billy, the charming bartender with a Southern accent, has a knack for comedic timing. Jen Hayes' portrayal of Joyce, a coworker of Sara’s at the library, also provides comic relief to the otherwise dramatic events of the play. Joyce is bubbly, perky and downright annoying as she explains why she loves being a librarian to a distracted Sara.
The cast comes from all different levels of experience, Reynolds said. Veteran LFC performers like Bryan Cain and Drew Crabtree mix in well with several new faces. “I think it’s challenging for first-time performers, but it will be nice for people to come and watch them do what they love to do,” Reynolds said.
Reynolds is looking forward to having an audience watch the production. “We’re going to put on a very good show for anyone who shows up,” he said. “Every line is like a twist. It will take the audience for a loop.”
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Performances are at 8 p.m. May 16 and 17 in Baker University Center Theater. Tickets cost $4.