Write Act Repertory Company 

and  Producing Artistic Director - John Lant

Present

the World Premiere of:

The Devil's Bride

by Joan Silsby

Directed by Jim Blanchette

December 7th-16th, January 11th-20th
Thursdays through Saturdays at 8pm
 

Paul Eppleston

Matthew St. James

--Mary Mallory, The Tolucan Times- Canyon Crier

Jonathan Harrison

From Artistic Director John Lant

"I'm excited that we found this talented author in our midst, first as a patron, secondly as a new artist in residence. I read her book of the same title, and knew in that moment, this must be a play. Development of any new project, adaptation or new work, is one of the most fascinating aspects of the theatre So much care has to be given to the entire artist's pool,  providing the tone of the new project. Whether you are the writer, director, actor, or on the design team, there is a delicate balance that a producer must create for the nurturing of each discipline, so that no piece of the puzzle outweighs the strengths of the other. Especially when dealing with the delicate issue of penning  a sequel to one of our greatest playwrights. I admittedly love the mission statement of Write Act Repertory and the ensemble of artists that have the wherewithal to take this journey. I am sure you will be as impressed as I am.

Wendy Gough

Featuring: Wil Bowers, Sarah Brown, Redetha Deason, Paul Eppleston, Sean Fitzgerald, Wendy Gough, Lilo Grunwald, Jonathan Harrison, Phillip Kelly, Carlos Martinez, Jenn Scuderi, Randy Springer, Matthew St. James, and Kate Van De Goor.

 The Devil's Bride

Reviewed by Jose Ruiz

Reviewplays.com

The Devil's Bride is touted as being a sequel to Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing". The Bard might not agree. Not that the story is not a worthy tale, introducing most of the characters already familiar in "Much Ado . . . ".
Unlike many of Shakespeare's stories, only one character dies here, but we do have the usual conflicts, misunderstood events, sexual intrigue and even a wonderfully staged sword fight – all because of a woman. So what else in new?

Where Hero and Claudio were the main impetus in "Much Ado . . ." it is Hero who provides the start of the conflict in this tale, as her whereabouts are mysteriously veiled in secrecy on the night of her wedding.

Don John (the Bastard) has concocted a plot to make archrival Claudio think that Hero has been unfaithful in an attempt to thwart the wedding. However, Don John is now in a jail in Messina, where nobleman Benedick brings him a proposition.
If John marries Benedick's sister Allegra, he will be set free and reinstated with his holdings, land and wealth. If not, he loses it all.

Not that Allegra is not a worthy bride. In fact, she's beautiful, witty, intelligent and charming – what else could a man want? Perhaps one with a lesser dowry, for Allegra seems to carry a gypsy curse that has caused the untimely death of her three previous suitors. She is convinced it will happen again, and even though she is intrigued by John, she refuses to marry him knowing it will only end in tragedy.



John is not too keen on marriage either, but seeing the alternative, he decides to try to win Allegra, if somewhat reluctantly. And so begins the proverbial cat and mouse – boy chases girl plot embroiling the characters in comical situations, brought alive by a huge cast that obviously is enjoying every minute of the play.


Matthew St. James owns the role of Don John, (the Bastard) a man who has attempted to create a reputation of infamy and villainy, but in the end shows more nobility than most.

His counterpart, Wendy Gough gives Allegra a wonderfully strong character, showing determination, and purpose, but allowing a soft aura to surround her at the right moments. His brother, Don Pedro, the Prince of Aragon is ably portrayed by Will Bowers.

Author Joan Silsby has crafted a charming story which director Jim Blanchette maps out for the actors to navigate seamlessly at a brisk romp. The story provides suspense and intrigue, and even a surprise romantic twist, and even if it's a little long and gets a somewhat soft just before intermission it's a barrel of fun. When all the pairings are done at the end, you've gone through a fun-filled two hours plus that offers witty dialog, clever situations and even a bit of a moral, for those who like those things. And of course, there's the romantic angle, and that alone makes any story worthwhile.

Other cast members include Sarah Brown, Redetha Deason, Paul Eppleston, Sean Firzgerald, Lilo Grunwald, Jonathan Harrison, Phillip Kelley, Carlos Martinez, Jenn Scuderi, Stephen Sonnevel, and Kate Va De Goor.