I attended the opening night performance of Dorian but didn’t feel that I knew enough about the book from which the adaptation was taken to review at that time. After reading the Dramaturgy notes written by Juno Hunter, I felt compelled to read the novel. I’m so glad that I did. 

If I were to individually comment on each of the 22 Production Team members this would be a book not a review. So I’ll just say that if it wasn’t for each and everyone of you this production would not be the masterpiece that it is. 

Just a few highlights 

Mason Beggs (Director) in his notes reiterated the belief that the more things change the more they stay the same and that every 100 years history tends to repeat itself and directed on that premise. The lives of Dorian Gray and Oscar Wilde did in fact parallel events, facts, and details of Oscar Wilde’s life were woven into the story of Dorian to make a closely connected whole. The underlining theme reality and non-reality the true and the musical.

Forgive me but I didn’t see anyone listed for set design which basically consisted of two crystals chandeliers and a mirror ball. Chandeliers were extremely popular in the 19th century symbol of luxury, wealth, elegance, and opulence. Mirror balls also referred to as disco balls became an iconic symbol in the 1970s a reflection of the sexual revolution, freedom, fun, funk,  fashion and promiscuity. 

Danielle Rosvally’s (Fight Director) work is explosive.

Jessica Hillman-McCord’s(Intimacy Director) choreography worked… need I say more.

Collin Ranney’s (Costume Designer) costumes were basic with minor accessories added great idea considering all of the characters being betrayed. Anything else would have been a traffic jam. 

THE CAST

Kristopher Bartolomeo, Actor number one 

Brian Brown, Actor number 2 

Dave Spychalski, Actor number 3 

I found the work of these three performers to be engaging and considering the number of different characters each of them portrayed not repetitious. 

Each one possesses the ability to disappear into their roles. Their unique portrayals became iconic moments. 

Dorian By Phoebe Eclair-Powell and Owen Horsley, onstage at Irish Classical Theatre Company to April 13, two hour run time with a 15-minute intermission.

Get ready it’s gonna be a wilde ride!!!