By John Lyle Belden
If you wonder about religion and the unusual things people believe, it’s not far down the Internet rabbit hole to the origins of numerous sects of the 1800’s (Mormons, Christian Science, Adventists, etc.). No matter how you think about them, they now feel mainstream. You see a building on a street and hardly give it a thought because (1) it’s not your particular thing, and (2) they seem quiet and nice, even if a bit weird. It has occurred to me that, in a few more decades, even controversial groups like Scientology will be just another part of the religious landscape.
What’s this have to do with a theatre review?
Stagewright Theatrical Company debuts with “Applewhite,” a new sci-fi drama written and directed by Alan Keith. If you don’t recognize the name in the title, that goes towards my point in the first paragraph.
It is approximately the year 4385. Circumstances have largely driven mankind underground. Technology has changed little, owing in part to an emphasis on specialization so that all roles are filled to ensure human survival.
As science and reason don’t provide much hope, old-time religions fill the void. Arthur (Derrek Krobar) discovered and revived the teachings of 20th century minister Marshall Applewhite and his Heaven’s Gate church. Even unaware of the sect’s dark history, many naturally deride it as a cult. Others, however, are drawn to its promise of higher forms of humanity. This includes gentle horticulturalist Josephine (Delilah Harris), married couple Richard (Robert Hollen) and Evelyn (Michelle Lawson), and new member Avery (Heather Drury) who takes to the faith with zeal. Josephine’s friends Stella (Justice Keith), an information specialist, and Harold (Nathanial Taff), a police inspector, are concerned, but it all seems harmless.
Suddenly a stranger appears among them. Thomas Nichols (Gregory Roberts) claims to be an original member of Heavan’s Gate from the 1990s. Stella is concerned, as his fingerprints are not in the system; Harold is naturally suspicious; and Arthur suddenly sees his authority challenged – though charismatic Thomas claims he is above such squabbles. He declares himself a humble prophet, announcing the return of the Hale-Bopp Comet.
History is about to repeat.
Hollen also portrays the colony Magistrate, Eugene Wallace, Esq.; and Alan Keith steps in briefly as an Information Chief. Bubba Fontaine provides the voice of Applewhite at the show’s climax.
For those who don’t remember the tragic events of 1997, know that this story involves characters taking their own lives (39, including Applewhite, perished in the original cult’s mass suicide).
Aside from the topics of religious psychological control, this is a good examination of the nature of belief, and how we carry the urge for higher knowledge into the future, along with our need for order. The costumes and props by Justice Keith give the production a sort of “Buck Rogers” retro-future aesthetic that works nicely here. (No one knows what things will be like in the year 4000 anyway.)
Performances are good all around in a cast with varying amounts of experience. Drury, for instance, is in her first stage role and quite convincing as her all-in character. Krobar may look familiar from his appearances with Garfield Shakespeare. Roberts admits to learning the craft while in the Indiana correctional system, his dedication and discipline shows here.
A strong start for a new company, Stagewright presents “Applewhite” Friday through Sunday, Nov. 13-15, at The Backlot Theatre, 5635 Bonna Ave. in the heart of Indy’s historic Irvington community. Find Stagewright online at their Facebook page.
