Stage: A Chatty, Greedy Ship of Fools

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THE SPOOKY ACTION THEATRE'S production of Eric Overmyer's 1992 play "Dark Rapture," directed by Paul Takacs, begins topically, with a fire in the California hills that echoes the one only recently in the news. As gels flood the set with shades of red and orange, two men stand center stage and watch the spectacle, one of them dominating the scene with a lengthy monologue about volcanic eruptions.

It's a promising scene full of dread and mystery, and these two men of course will figure prominently into the plot as it twists and globe-trots from California to Key West to Cabo San Lucas. A colorful cast of characters follow a suitcase full of cash, but that's just an excuse to get them talking about the Kennedy assassination, hurricanes and mai tais.

Overmyer gives Spooky Action a lot to juggle. The cast gamely chew the scenery, tearing into his dialogue with the aplomb it demands. Hilary Kacser is a stand-out playing a Key West drug dealer/love interest with a playful Southern drawl and wisps of alluring gray hair (which may be the most telling aspect of her character).

Misha Kachman's set design is clever and evocative, centering on a movable wooden wall onto which the title cards for each scene are projected — a strong cinematic touch. Bedrooms and barrooms are wheeled in on floating stages, allowing the actors and director full use of the uncluttered stage area to explore the play's comedy and tragedy.

» Black Box Theatre at Montgomery College's Takoma Park campus; through Dec. 2, $10, $5 students; 301-650-1487 (Silver Spring)

Written by Stephen M. Deusner
Photo by Perry Schwartz