Want a Rum-Coco?

review by Jack Duggan

                   A defrocked minister, a dying poet, and a couple Nazis walk into an inn. The Night of The Iguana written by Tennessee Williams, was a stunning show.  From the set, to the acting, and even the costumes everything was on point.  It felt as though we as the audience were watching a film, rather than a live performance.  The play was set on the coast of Mexico in the 1940s.   The washed up minister-now-tour-guide Shannon, was staying at an inn where he knew the manager.  While there Hannah Jelks, a Nantucket sketch artist, and her poet grandfather also arrive at the inn.  The interactions that ensue are what drive the play. The characters kept the show fresh, and the play never seemed to drag.

              The main success of this play was the acting.  Not a single character in this show did not seem genuine.  Every character felt like an individual person rather than an actor portraying a fictional being.  While every actor was great, I felt Bill Heck, who played Shannon, delivered a standout performance.  The accent was on point throughout the show.  I felt real emotions for his character.  His pain was so apparent and real, it was amazing.  Another amazing performance came from Amanda Plumer as Ms. Jelks.  She was a very wise character and it felt as though her advice was truly thought out.  In terms of acting, this show was truly unlike any other.

            Another captivating aspect of the play was the set.  The characters never left the inn, yet the play was not limited as result of this.   The attention to detail was astounding.   One particular scene the set stood out even more.  Shannon was standing out on the terrace as a storm loomed over head.   The lighting turned gray and gloomy and thunder started playing through the speakers.  Suddenly a little water started coming from above the stage, gradually more and more water started to fall until it was pouring.  This was a truly incredible effect

            All in all, The Night of The Iguana was a near perfect show.  The acting, set, character interactions, and almost everything else about this show was commendable.  Personally, I recommend anyone who enjoys theatre, and even those who don’t to go see this show ASAP.