Chiller theater

Thrilling ‘Terra Nova’ is a true triumph for Riverwalk

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In 1990 Aussie band The Church releaseda single called “Terra Nova Cain,” which sounds like just the remedyneeded after enduring Riverwalk Theatre’s production of “Terra Nova.”  Despitehow that sounds, it is a high compliment. Among the finest productionsto grace the stage of Riverwalk’s Black Box since its grand opening.It’s an intense experience that leaves one cold and numb.  

The story is a fictionalized account ofBritish explorer Robert Scott’s race to the South Pole in 1911. In thisversion, Scott (Joseph Baumann) is tortured by his own conscience inthe form of hallucinations of his Norwegian nemesis Roald Amundsen(Richard Helder), whose team ultimately beat Scott’s to the Pole.

Playwright Ted Tally seems toeditorialize that the famed British stiff upper lip and ideals ofgentlemanly behavior are Scott’s undoing. The play provides much fodderfor debate about the costs of survival. These characters obviouslypredate the sage Spock, with his philosophy that “the needs of the oneoutweigh the needs of the many.”

 “Nova”posits questions, through recalled conversations between Scott and hiswife, Kathleen (Amanda Whitehead): Where does scientific inquiry endand the quest for personal glory begin, and is it ethical to put othersat risk for that selfish goal?

Director Jane Falion takes fulladvantage of the Black Box space. This feeling of space and movement iscritical for a play that takes place in the endless expanse of theSouth Pole. It also heightens the drama to be so close to the cast asthey get weaker and more desperate to survive.

Tim Fox’s lighting design capitalizes onthe high ceilings to effectively recreate the shimmery southern lights.Paired with Falion’s set design of jagged ice, the scene is as close topolar as a theater can get.

Kudos also go to the costuming team andthe prop designer Roger Nowland, all of whom have done a fantastic jobof reproducing the feel of the era. That cast members can be so swathedand yet not show any visible sweat is a true special effect.

Eric Chatfield, as Irishman Bowers, gives a solid supporting performance, mastering and maintaining his brogue throughout.  Whiteheadimbues Kathleen with grace and a fierce independence of thought. Shealso gets to rock the nicest wardrobe, her elegant gowns a visualcounterpoint to the drab parkas of the crew.

It is Joe Quick, as crew member Evans,who is the most mesmerizing character. At first quiet and unobtrusive,Evans becomes the most pivotal character once it is revealed that hehas hidden a significant injury from the rest of the group. Aided bythe physical transformation provided by makeup artist Susie Perazza,Quick plays Evans as a determined but doomed everyman, one who simplywants his 15 minutes of fame.

Knowing ahead of time that thecharacters all die is no spoiler. Instead, it excuses us from trying toguess what will happen and to focus instead on how it happens. Thehuman toll — to the crew as well as the families they left behind —creates such an emotional toll on the audience that one might start towonder if eating dogs isn’t the more humane option after all.


’Terra Nova’

Riverwalk Theatre

228 Museum Drive, Lansing

7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13, and

8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14 and Saturday, Oct. 15

$12; $10 seniors, students and military personnel.

(517) 482-5700 

 www.riverwalktheatre.com

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