The Fourth Walsh

Idle Muse Theatre Company presents WITCH.

Elizabeth lives in bitter isolation. The village blames her for sickness, barren cows, and failed crops. They think she’s a witch. At the town tavern, a mysterious stranger shares drinks with rivals competing for the love and inheritance of Sir Arthur. He offers to help each secure their desire. The cost for that service is their soul. They know he’s the devil. When the devil meets Elizabeth, it isn’t the usual transactional encounter. She challenges him. He intrigues her. They both have some soul searching to do. Meanwhile back at the castle, Cuddy and Frank heatedly pursue Sir Arthur’s affection. And all hell breaks loose!   

Playwright Jen Silverman pens a provocative tale of temptation. Silverman creates a series of ‘unfair’ life circumstances. A shunned woman. An unloved son. A man clawing his way out of poverty. The devil offers attractive solutions. Each must decide what is more important than a soul. Silverman sets the clever story in the 17th century with modern day dialogue and problems. The dark comedy crackles with humor as sexism, classism, homophobia, and humanity are spiritedly debated.

Director Libby Beyreis orchestrates the terrific ensemble in delivering the thought-provoking content. At the soul of the story is the ongoing tussles between Mara Kovacevic (Elizabeth) – Nathaniel Kohlmeier (Scratch) and Xavier Lagunas (Frank) – Cameron Austin Brown (Cuddy). Kovacevic and Kohlmeier are intellectual soulmates. They unsettle each other’s convictions while resisting an undeniable pull. At the other end of the spectrum, smarmy Lagunas and droll Brown continually spar. Their interactions are tainted with hatred and lust. They physically go at each other in a gasp-worthy fight (Violence Designer R&D Choreography and Intimacy Director Erin Alys).      

Silverman also provides plenty of juicy soliloquies showcasing acting prowess. A fierce Kovacevic laments about her small-minded neighbors. A comical Stephen Dunn (Arthur) debates his decision with a portrait. A passionate Caty Gordon (Winifred) pleads for ordinariness. And the charismatic and soulful Kohlmeier questions his life choices.       

Silverman’s script is layered with nuance and wit. Under Beyreis’ capable direction, the ensemble fills the stage with personality and complexity. I’ve seen WITCH before but not like this. Which WITCH? This one! I highly recommend Idle Muse’s WITCH.

Running Time: Two hour and ten minutes includes an intermission

The Edge Off-Broadway Theater, 1133 W. Catalpa

Written by Jen Silverman

Directed by Libby Beyreis

Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays at 8pm

Sundays at 3pm

Thru October 10

For more information or tickets

Production photos by Steven Townshend/Distant Era

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