Audiences seeing good in 'Bad Seed' at Wheaton Drama

Wheaton Drama's third show of the season opened Jan. 27 at Playhouse 111 to positive audience and critical response.

Gary Patterson, who saw the show opening night, said that he and his wife were "thoroughly entertained" and "This show deserves an audience! Get there!"

Audience members who expressed that they were initially hesitant about the show's subject matter were won over by the excellent performances in this classic thriller. Patrons have also favorably noted the lovely set and costumes and effective use of music and lighting.

Reviewer Joe Stead of steadstylechicago.com observed that director Jeni Dees "... keeps her actors thoroughly grounded in honesty and period accuracy. The play succeeds in creating a slightly off balance and creepy end desire." He praised the cast, especially Hannah Klose as Rhoda Penmark and Amy Royle as Christine Penmark, concluding, "... this is a good production."

Audiences who have concerns about blood or violence need not fear attending. "Bad Seed" follows the mores of the 1950s, balancing Hitchcock-style psychological suspense with moments of humor and the charm of an apparently perfect American family.

Director Jeni Dees is pleased with what she sees happening each show. "It is so rewarding to see the show you envisioned come to life. I am proud of the hard work and dedication my cast put into this piece. They were dedicated to their craft and the quality of what they wanted to put on stage, and it shows night after night."

Watching the audience reaction can also be as much fun as seeing the action on stage. "Hearing the little gasps and comments from the audience as the plot plays out is great to watch", Dees says. "The reaction gives all of the people involved with the show such a charge. Audiences leave the show smiling after getting wrapped up in the story and the characters. It is fun to spend time away from real-life worries."

The "Bad Seed" cast is: Anthony Berg (Addison) as Emory Wages; Marea Berkley Clement (Aurora) as Mrs. Daigle; Pat Daly (Naperville) as Mr. Daigle; Cesar Gonzales (Glendale Heights) as Kenneth Penmark; Rod Kelly (Lombard) as Reginald Tasker; Hannah Klose (Naperville) as Rhoda Penmark; Kristin K. Morris (Chicago) as Monica Breedlove; Jennifer Myers (Glen Ellyn) as Miss Fern; Amy Royle (Downers Grove) as Christine Penmark; Jack Smith (Bloomingdale) as Leroy; Jim Van de Velde (Villa Park) as Richard Bravo.

Jeni Dees (South Elgin) is directing, assisted by Jo-Ann Ledger (Bolingbrook). Ben Aylesworth (Bolingbrook) is the production manager and master carpenter. Bruce Ebner (Batavia) is the stage manager, and Amy Johnson (Lombard) is the assistant stage manager.

Additional production staff include: Tracy L. Adams and Sindy Bower (properties); Dave Amato (sound design); Ken Beach (production photography); Traci A. Cidlik (graphic design); Jeni Dees (hair and make-up); Mary Engle and Berni Raymond (set decoration); Craig Gustafson (Starboard design); Susan Hajny (costume design); Melissa Heischberg (website); Jo-Ann Ledger (publicity); Steven Merkel (publicity photography); Rebecca Poole (tickets); Kate Quan (programme); Steve Schroeder (front of house); Jim Van de Velde (lighting design).

"Bad Seed" plays Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, and Sundays at 3pm through February 19. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.wheatondrama.org, or by calling (630) 260-1820. Dramatists Play Service, Inc. licenses “Bad Seed”.

Wheaton Drama's current season also includes "Black Comedy" (March 23-April 15) and "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" (May 25-June 17).

Wheaton Drama's productions are staged at Playhouse 111, 111 N. Hale St. in downtown Wheaton. For show tickets and information, please visit www.wheatondrama.org, or call (630) 260-1820.