To Shock—Or Not To Shock?

F. J. Hartland

Rage of the Stage, one of Pittsburgh’s most alternative theatre companies, is known for its shocking productions of original works as well as adaptations of classics.

With their current production of James Michael Shoberg’s Fairest: The Black Tale of Snow White, Rage of the Stage shocked me more than they ever have before—because there was absolutely nothing shocking in it.

In fact, if you cut the few moments of violence (and one crotch grab), this show could be performed at any children’s theatre in the country.  This “R” rated company has given us a “PG 13” production.

Visually Fairest is interesting.  The simple set is decorated nicely and the costumes are well-detailed.  Unfortunately, long set and costume changes call for numerous (and lengthy) black-outs that bring the flow of the show to a grinding halt over and over.

Jenna Lanz keeps Snow White from turning into the sugary sweet Disney version. 

Kudos to the seven actors who play the dwarves (Angelica Bondy, Charsley Bickett, Brittany Spinelli, Thomas Sterner, Geoff Bowman, Kimberly Legler and Peter Anthony Betrini).  Each one creates a distinct character—all while walking on their knees.  Ouch!

Skylar Walton and David Wooddell have the thankless tasksof spending nearly three hours motionless on stage as The Guardians of the Mirror.

Lori Howsare gives a dynamic performance as The Guise of the Hag.  And in the role of The Spirit of the king Marcus Muzoppa cuts a noble figure.

Overall, though, the acting is somewhat uneven…and not everyone seems to be working in the same style.  Considering that these are one-dimensional “fairy tale” characters, the lengthy running time of Fairest calls for far more complexity than playwright James Michael Shoberg gives them.

I can’t believe it, but I actually missed Rage of the Stage’s trademark leather, whips, fishnet stockings and black nail polish!

Fairest: The Black Tale of Snow White runs through August 28 at the Studio Theatre in the basement of the Cathedral of Learning on the University of Pittsburgh campus.