Mmmm...Hmmm... Mr. Marmalade!

Noah Haidle's Mr. Marmalade, directed by Olivia Trevino for the Garage Theatre evokes laughter, pain and a greater sense of imagination. What begins as innocent make-believe transforms into a dark horrific exploration of adult relationships.

Cali Dunaway plays Lucy, a 4-year-old with a vivid adult imagination. The audience follows this bold and fearless young actress into a twisted version of childhood pretend. Her imaginary friend, Mr. Marmalade presents himself as a self-indulgent scoundrel, generally destroying Lucy’s perfect world with his cocaine habits, porno, abuse and alcoholism. Angel Correa attacks the role of Mr. Marmalade with vigor and humor in his over-the-top performance.

Performances are 8pm, Thur. - Sat. The show runs until May 21. Tickets are $15-20. The Theatre is located at 251 E. Seventh Street, Long Beach. For more info call (866) 811-4111 or visit http://www.thegaragetheatre.org/

A Charming Devil! - Who Knew?

Clive Barker’s The History of the Devil, is a surprising brilliant play, if you are able to sit still for the 3.5 hour ordeal. For an actor it is an exercise in character development and stamina. For an audience it can easily become tedious and long. However, director M.S., Cliff E. Threadgold’s production at the Garage Theatre proves that this epic play is an edge of your seat adventure.

While plays with a religious connotation are often a reminder of the forsaken mystery and morality plays of the medieval ages, The History of the Devil is a modern and edgy twist on the subculture surrounding Lucifer’s fall from grace.

The play revolves around a trial by jury – where the devil seeks a pardon for his heinous deeds in order to return to heaven. The defense and prosecution both plead their case in the dessert wasteland of Kenya. As the plot unravels the audience is transported through time and space – given an inside glimpse into the devil’s past.

Angel Correa gives a standout performance as the devil. He is charmingly deceptive, despicable and sensual. He seems otherworldly in his mannerisms and speech. His performance provokes the question – What is evil? Can we be seduced by such evil and for what purpose?

Amy Louise Sebetius matches Correa’s ferocity in many characters she plays –using a variety of dialects added distinction to her roles. Most haunting of all was her portrayal of an accused Salem Witch, beaten down and imprisoned, pleading for the devil to come to her aid.

While there is some disunity in time provided on behalf of Clive Barker, this otherwise well structured play with a strong ensemble cast is a must see this season.

Read more review at What the Butler Saw and in the Daily 49er.

The History of the Devil; Performances are 8pm, Thurs. - Sat. The show runs until Oct. 30. Tickets are $15-18. The Garage Theatre is located at 251 E 7th St. For more info call 433-8337 or visit www.thegaragetheatre.org.