Revival can't fix dogmatic mystery-thriller
J.B. Priestly doesn't do his play "An Inspector Calls" any favors by having one of his characters reference George Bernard Shaw.
As social criticism, Priestly's mystery-thriller with political undertones, currently running at New World Repertory Theater, pales in comparison to Shaw's plays. His work depicted society's ills -- particularly the exploitation of the working class -- with a panache and sophistication "Inspector" lacks.
Set in 1912, the play concerns the impact a destitute young woman's suicide has on a wealthy British family, whose members have absolved themselves of obligations to anyone other than the members of their own privileged class. In it, Priestly makes provocative points about shared responsibility and society's obligation to its most vulnerable members. The play's unabashedly anti-capitalist and pro-Socialist agenda isn't the problem. It's Priestly's heavy-handed approach to it that makes for a rather dogmatic drama, which New World Rep's earnest but sluggish revival doesn't improve.
Directed by Alison Henderson, the production dutifully reflects the play's outrage. But it lacks crispness. Punchlines fall flat and the production fails to sustain the tension needed to make this kind of psychological thriller work.
The action unfolds in the Birling's dining room (a genteel-looking, lace-accented set by RJ Ogren) where the Birling family has gathered to celebrate the engagement of Sheila Birling (a sharp-as-a-tack Cortney McKenna, credible as a young woman developing a conscience). Sheila's the daughter of wealthy factory owner Arthur (David Boettcher), an overbearing, unapologetic capitalist determined to lower costs, raise profits and increase his social standing.
Joining in the festivities is Arthur's pretentious wife Sybil (a nicely dispassionate Mary Pavia), who's delighted by Sheila's impending marriage to Gerald (Jack Ryan), son of Arthur's wealthier and titled rival. Last but not least there's Eric (Sean Ogren), the Birling's genial and frequently inebriated son.
Their celebration is interrupted by the enigmatic Inspector Goole (a brusque, disapproving Mike Speller as the play's social conscience), who informs them of the grisly suicide of a young woman. Over the course of the evening, he reveals the profound, albeit unwitting, effect each of them had on her life, a life cut short as a result of callous capitalism, pettiness, lust and classism.
To reveal more would spoil the play, in which Priestly rather cleverly weaves together various threads of the doomed girl's life story, all of which coincidentally connect to the Birling family.
"An Inspector Calls" is not so much great theater as it is an impassioned condemnation of an uncaring, irresponsible class that ignores the suffering of its fellow citizens. But it has its moments. Unfortunately, New World Rep's less-than-polished production fails to uncover them.
"An Inspector Calls"
Two stars out of four
Location: New World Repertory Theater, 923 Curtiss St., Downers Grove
Times: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 3 p.m. Sundays through March 15
Running Time: About 2 hours, including intermission
Tickets: $12-$20
Box office: (630) 663-1489 or www.newworldrep.org
Rating: For teens and older