BURN THIS SIZZLES AT HAZLETT

F. J. Hartland 

           Lanford Wilson’s Burn This is a play with powerful emotions and heated sexuality.  While it isn’t one of my favorite Wilson plays, the current production at the Hazlett Theatre is well-worth seeing.

            A New York City dancer and his lover are killed in a freak boating accident.  Left behind to grieve are his roommates Anna (Kate Campbell) and Larry (Patrick Jordan), Anna’s boyfriend Burton (Peter Kope) and Pale, estranged brother of the late dancer.  All are dealing with their overwhelming sense of loss and everyone’s emotions are raw.

            Campbell is most credible as a dancer—lithe and limber.  Even when she isn’t dancing, she stands “in position” or twists her legs under her when she sits on the soda.  Sometimes (particularly in the beginning of the play) both she and Kope are hard to hear.  But when the emotions rise, Campbell gives a powerful performance.

            Patrick Jordan brings comic relief to this heavy drama.  His quick-witted retorts are delivered with a flair and never fail to get a laugh from the audience.  This is a different kind of role for Jordan; it’s wonderful to see his range.

            Television actor David Conrad (The Ghost Whisperer, Miss Match)is an athletic and high-energy Pale.  He leaps onto chairs, the kitchen counter and even the second level landing with ease. His opening sequence is a rapid-fire machine gun barrage of words which Conrad delivers without hesitation.  He manages to do the impossible…he makes this alcoholic, adulterous, loud-mouth, opinionated character sympathetic.  In al my dealings with Burn This, it’s the first time I didn’t hate Pale. 

           Unfortunately with such powerhouse performances from Campbell, Jordan and Conrad,  Kope is the weak link of the chain.  I do not believe he has real feelings for Anna—nor do I believe he holds a brown belt in martial arts.

            The set by Douglas McDermott is a sleek, sophisticated replica of a modern New York City loft.  The minimalist furnishings beautifully serve as a compliment.  Highlighting the set is a huge ached window from which we can see cars moving along the parkway, boats crossing the river, plans coming in for a landing and the lit skyscrapers of Manhattan.  It is an amazing effect.  My only criticism is that it is too wide and causes some blocking problems for the actors.  Scott Nelson’s lighting has some interesting effects.  Sometimes, though, the actors are caught in dark spots.  Also, the lighting and sound cues were not always synchronized correctly the evening I saw the show.

            Richard Parsakian’s costumes are beautiful—especially the ones for Campbell.  During the course of the show she goes through two stunning robes and two exquisite black dresses.  Kope is also given a great tuxedo for New Year’s Eve. 

           Overall, this is a solid, classy, first-rate production. 

           Burn This runs through June 28 at the Hazlett Theatre.