By Eva Trieger
POWAY, California – Advertising as a career choice never struck me as a dangerous profession, but then again, I had never read Vera Capary’s novel, Laura, or watched the film by the same name. Apparently, this psychological thriller, directed by Kara Blaskovich, suggests otherwise. Vera Caspary and George Sklar adapted the play based on Capary’s novel of the same title (1943). A year later, Gene Tierney appeared on screen in yet another adaptation of this story.
Though PowPac’s stage is rather small, the characters’ large egos have viewers trying to suss out the murderer and motives in this comedic murder mystery. Veteran detective, Mark McPherson (Kevin O’Connor, Jr) is quite taken with the stunning and mysterious socialite who has been murdered in her New York City apartment. Ogling her portrait and perusing her record collection he has fallen in love with the victim. But he’s not alone in his affections. Also enamored of the late Laura Hunt is her ex-lover, Waldo Lydecker (David Dartt) as well as the neighbor boy from downstairs, Danny (John McCorkle). And, I definitely don’t want to leave out her fiancé, Mr. Shelby Carpenter (Tim Baran).
The detective sets about gathering information and evidence as to who had motive, the murder weapon and any other information he can glean from Miss Hunt’s housekeeper, Bessie (Bobbi Randall). In the process of following up on leads, the detective is stupefied when he learns that the corpse was not that of Laura Hunt, and in fact, Laura (Julia Giolzetti) is very much alive!
The plot thickens as each character reveals new tidbits about their connection to Laura and to the deceased, and all the while, McPherson is falling more in love with Laura, but he has clearcut competition in her fiancé, her ex-lover and young Danny.
While there was some very fine acting onstage, standouts in the show were John McCorkle for his portrayal of an awkward goofy teenaged boy. (He’s got some killer dance moves!) Additionally, Bobbi Randall provides some great comic relief and is a funny “straight man” throughout the play with great facial expressions and lines. Danny’s mom, Mrs. Dorgan (Kerry Menchin) plays the controlling mother and disapproving neighbor exquisitely. Baran, whom I adored in I Love You Because and Dartt, whom I adore in everything PowPac, delivered solid performances.
So maybe I was mistaken. Perhaps, advertising is a dangerous profession. According to H.G. Wells, “Advertising is legalized lying.” I can see how that might get you killed!
Laura is playing at PowPac through May 4th.
Tickets may be obtained by visiting boxoffice@powpac.org or calling 858.679.8085
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Trieger is a freelance writer specializing in the coverage of the arts.