Cappies Review: Madison High School Play 'Deadwood Dick'

PHOTO (from left to right): Allie Lambson, Hunter Slingbaum, Kelly Brents, Kristiana Qerosi/Photo by Nicky Bahadori, student, James Madison High School

Review by LARAS KETTNER of McLean High School

VIENNA, VA -- Helpless maidens, swaggering cowboys, and a deep, dark secret. These adjectives describe Madison Drama's exuberant production of "Deadwood Dick," which will keep you on the edge of your seat and allow the entire audience to learn something new about themselves.

"Deadwood Dick" is a play by Tom Taggart based on a series of dimestore novels published by Edward Lytton Wheeler between 1877 and 1897. The character of Deadwood Dick focuses on a Robin Hood of the black hills, and the melodramatic lure that often depicts the Old West. The play is set in the powerful Calamity Jane's Man-Trap Saloon, and follows the story of an evil cowboy named Blackman Redburn and his evil plan. Two heroes, Ned Harris and Wild Bill, try to stop him. Of course, the story would not be complete without two maidens in distress, the sisters Rose and Lily Blossom.

As Blackman Redburn, Ryaan Farhadi perfectly captures the essence of a "true-black villain." Although his all-black costume and impressive mustache makes him look like the bad guy, his gruff voice, piercing eyes, and proud stance transforms him into a believable character. As Farhadi swaggers across the stage, he projects a commanding presence, causing the ensemble and audience to respect and fear him, creating an atmosphere that is very important in an "evil" character.

Liv Wisnewski as Calamity Jane also makes some exceptional character choices. Wisnewski clearly demonstrates that she is the owner of the "Man-Trap Saloon," with the way her swaying posture moves across the stage from one person to the next. Wisnewski portrays Calamity's rough and brazen exterior, and melds this with the kind and heartbroken emotions that characterize Calamity on the inside. Carson Casper as Wild Bill, with his slow western drawl, gangly body posture, and his perfect timing during moments of distress, illicit cheers from the audience, making him a hero during the show.

The entire ensemble has beautiful chemistry, every member developing personal traits such as body characterization that make each character special. However, an ensemble that really stands out is The Hatcheteers, led by Teetotal Tessie (Kelly Brents). Their shrill cries and horrifying yet almost comical expressions show they are brazen figures in the play. As they swing their axes about and snarl at other people, the audience was filled with hoots and shouts.

An aspect of this production that aids in its success is the high degree of audience participation. In Madison Drama's "Deadwood Dick," the audience can express their emotions as to what is happening on stage. Since the play can be interpreted as normal actors acting like certain characters, the play takes on a more realistic tone, proving to be easily relatable and hilarious to the audience.

The set was very effective, with every detail carefully thought out and designed. From the swinging door of the western saloon to the lasso hung on the wall, small details are what makes the western-style set come alive. Costumes in the play are also magnificent and very realistic. The colors that the cowboys wear, whether black or white, define whether they are good or evil. Background music also plays a prominent role in the production, provoking the feeling of great joy and suspense at specific moments during the play.

Madison Drama's production of "Deadwood Dick" proves to be a delightful show that the entire family can enjoy. It will lasso you back to the old western times, giving the audience the chance (with a bag of popcorn in hand) to meet helpless maidens, swaggering cowboys, and discover for themselves a deep, dark secret.