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nibor6969
Reviews
Wilhelm Reich in Hell (2005)
Read the play instead.
The main problem I have with this is the acting.
The actors that played the Ringmaster, Marilyn Monroe, and Ouspenky were acceptable, but the rest were absolutely HORRID. Worst of the lot was Ray Paolantonio as Wilhelm Reich. As others have commented--he was WAY too young for the roll. Like most of the other actors is this production, he simply shouted his lines, rather that convey and real emotion or weight to the dialog.
The set was also was also garish and horrible. I think this would have played better with a bare set. The costumes and makeup gave out a sleazy vibe--which in a way goes along with the tone of the play--but the vibe was far more gross and disgusting than sinister.
The music was okay, but needed more balls--a little too heavy on the cheesy keyboards. I also agree that it was TOO LOUD. I had to turn up the volume to hear the actors, when the music kicked in I was blown out of my seat--very annoying.
Also annoying was the way the director "updated" the play to replace references to the cold war with 9/11. I understand the thinking--but it just didn't work.
Read the book instead, it also includes a brilliant introduction from RAW. I applaud the company for even having the guts to stage this play. Let's hope in the future someone else will actually be able to pull it off.