Proscenium Players Inc. actors draw on similar pasts to tackle roles in upcoming 'Gaslight'
The idyllic image of the British Victorian era is shattered in the upcoming production of Gaslight. Written by Patrick Hamilton and produced by the Proscenium Players Inc., the play is a dark tale of a marriage based on deceit and trickery, and a husband committed to driving his wife insane in order to steal from her.
Performances take place the last weekend of February and the first weekend in March at Brewery Art Center’s Maize Theater in Carson City.
While the script was written in 1938, its theme and message still resonate today. Aimed at a mature audience, the story line tackles domestic violence, mental illness and murder. Subject matters than can challenge many actors, but in this case for both lead actors, some of the story line hits close to home. The suspense thriller promises to keep audiences on the edge of their seats until the end.
Katrina Olson and Dylan Shirey play lead characters Mr. and Mrs. Manningham. “I have been in an abusive relationship in the past, so I can relate to my character” Olson said. “She loves her maniacal husband so much that she will do anything to gain his approval. That happens all too often in real life today. My relationship has given me great insight into playing this role.”
Shirey concurs, “This show is absolutely a difficult piece to tackle. Not to get too personal, but I’ve been on the opposite side like Mrs. Manningham, and it is terrifying. Mr. Manningham is outright heinous, and the fact that I am performing such atrocious acts has been a challenge.”
The story and mystery unfolds when a kindly detective takes an interest in the Manninghams and the history of the house they live in. He also believes he knows why Mr. Manningham is behaving so horridly. The audience can’t help but be drawn in as the suspense begins and the tensions build.
Both Olson and Shirey credit a strong bond and supportive cast for making the script work. “Luckily, my Mrs. Manningham- Katrina Olson, and I have a very close relationship,” Shirey says. “That trust and has helped our performance develop into a more deep and complex dynamic on stage.” Olson concurs, “I can get lost in this character sometimes, it feels so real to me, I am fortunate to have such strong supportive castmates.”
Olson and Shirey are quick to add that while Gaslight has a very dark theme, it offers hope, that there is light at the end of the tunnel. “I want the audience to see that they need to trust themselves in tough situations,” Olson explains. “And to surround themselves with strong people who will help them find the light if they get lost in the dark.”
Shirey hopes the show will provide courage to those in difficult situations. “If just one person leaves this show finding courage to leave people who don’t serve their best interest, to find strength to take their own power back, and to find hope in what seems hopeless, then I think it’s a success.”
General admission tickets are $25, seniors, members, and group tickets are $20. Showtimes are 7 p.m. on February, 25, 26 and March 3 and 4, and 2 p.m. Feb. 27 and March 5. Tickets can be purchased at www.carsontheater.com or www.breweryarts.org.