By Eva Trieger
SAN DIEGO– The Roustabouts continue to make their debut season a winner. The trio opened with Margin of Error, a dramatic and emotional ride, and continues with Withering Heights, a delightfully, over-the-top hilarious adaptation of Emily Bronte’s classic. But, don’t expect a rehashing of the nineteenth century novel you read in tenth grade. This play delivers Heathcliff and Catherine as you’ve never seen them before.
Under the direction of North Coast Rep’s David Ellenstein, Omri Schein and Phil Johnson take on thirteen characters as they roam the moors of Yorkshire, England. Heathcliff (Phil Johnson) is a lowly Gypsy boy, brought home by Mr. Earnshaw (also Phil Johnson) to befriend his daughter, Catherine (Omri Schein) and his son, Hindley (also Phil Johnson). Hindley is intensely jealous of Heathcliff and makes no secret of his loathing, while the beautiful Catherine is smitten. Never mind the nearly incestuous nature of their relationship; the bigger hurdle is their socio-economic chasm. Catherine is born into the manor houses, Withering Heights and Thrushcross Grange, whilst Heathcliff is an unwashed boy of the stables, hairy chest notwithstanding.
Schein’s capacity for physical morphing and authentic accents and dialects, paired with Johnson’s demonic laughter and gastric disturbance keep this ninety minute play galloping across the heather and applesauce-covered English countryside.
The Diversionary Theater lends this fledgling company their auditorium and the space lends itself to imagination with few props or structures. Center stage hosts a large picture frame that doubles as a door or window when required. Set Designer, Scott Amiotte also created the backdrop for the previous show and was the Master Carpenter for the 2016-2017 season at Diversionary. Costumes are also minimalistic, consisting mainly of wigs (Peter Herman), an apron, and a bow, courtesy of Elisa Benzoni.
Season 2018 has been announced and the line-up is looking good. Johnson’s award winning A Jewish Joke leads off, followed by Will Cooper’s Guntopia. Johnson will direct Ruff Yeager and Karole Foreman in an Edward Albee play, and the season will wrap up with Yeager’s Romeo, Romeo and Juliet.
Withering Heights plays through July 9, 2017 at the Diversionary Theater. Tickets may be purchased at theroustabouts.org or by phone 619.728.7820
*
Trieger is a freelance writer specializing in coverage of the arts. She may be contacted via eva.trieger@sdjewishworld.com