The Trapped Iguana

review by Tammy Nguyen

09/10/17

Night of the Iguana at the ART

            Confusing and slow are two adjectives suitable for the production of Night of the Iguana at the American Reparatory Theatre this Thursday night. Despite the detailed set, some extraordinary acting moments, and amazing sound effects, the story moved too slowly.

            The set was detailed and lively, and the sound effects of birds and the waves were played from behind the audience, which surprisingly made it sound like it was happening right in the room. The play starts with a man playing guitar on a hammock, creating a serene atmosphere and a calm tone. The first part of the play’s pacing left the some of the audience twisting and turning in their seats because there was not much action. However, the second part of the play escalated quickly and was much more engaging.

Bill Heck, in the role of the Reverend Dr. T. Lawrence Shannon, was brilliant in his portrayal of a troubled man who struggles with being a defrocked priest. He was disheveled, both in his clothing and his manner of talking – showing the nature of the character and how Tennessee Williams intended for the character to be.