Michael Spellman directs a mesmerizing performance of Marsha Norman's poignant, nuanced tale of the dying Wild West, in which the last of the outlaws, intent on a rendezvous with a long-lost love, rides out of the night and into the lives-that-aren't-really-lives of two feuding brothers stuck on a ranch. I have a deep appreciation for writers who skillfully interweave darkness and light, the tapestry of life, and Norman's genius shines in The Holdup. The cast in Baltimore is worthy of that script.
Frank Vince's portrayal of the Outlaw, a tired man who's seen better days, is riveting, especially as the Outlaw reveals occasional flashes of the hell-for-leather bandit he once was.
David Shoemaker is downright lovable as Archie Tucker, an innocent, open young man, for whom this serves as a coming-of-age tale.
Zak Zeeks gives a gripping performance as Archie's older brother, Henry, a gruff, bitter man who takes out his life frustrations on Archie.
Stephanie Ranno sparkles as Lily, the Outlaw's love interest, a former prostitute who managed to make a respectable life for herself. Saucy wench in one moment, wise woman in the next, she makes it easy to see why the Outlaw never could get Lily off his mind.
When the Outlaw and Lily look at each other, there's no doubt they're in love. Vince and Ranno beautifully convey the bittersweet torrent of that love. Together, they could have had it all. If only...
Equally compelling is the dynamic between the two brothers. As different as they are, one of the most fascinating aspects of the script and the performances is that it wouldn't take a whole lot of effort for them to find a common ground. Archie's dissatisfaction with life on the ranch hints at a darker side that has the potential to make him a Henry someday. And when it comes to the outlaws Henry idolizes, he's a child again, as wide-eyed as Archie, and it's heartbreaking he was born too late for the glory days of the Wild West.
The conflict between the Outlaw and Henry is the stuff of legends--the aging alpha and the brash young upstart who, blinded by dreams of fame and fortune, has no idea of their true cost.
More broadly, the story examines the question of just how far a man can go, and still be graced with a second chance.
Full Disclosure: Zak is my son.
Henry (R-Zak Zeeks) ties Archie (L-David Shoemaker) up
so he can prove to the Outlaw how tough he is.
Photo by Ken Stanek.
(Photo originally posted at: http://www.dcmetrotheaterarts.com/2012/07/09/the-holdup-at-spotlighters-theatre-by-amanda-gunther/.)
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