Stage Review - The Shawshank Redemption (Tacoma Little Theatre)
Stage Review - The Shawshank Redemption
Presented By: Tacoma Little Theatre (TLT) - Tacoma, WA
Date Reviewed: Sunday, June 4, 2023
Reviewed By: Greg Heilman
My first exposure to The Shawshank Redemption was through the 1994 film, starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman. The movie has since become one of those in our household that gets stopped on whenever we’re flipping through the channels and find it on. I knew at the time that it was based on a story by Steven King, but I what I didn’t know was that it was based on a novella, specifically “Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption”, from the author’s 1982 collection called “Different Seasons”. I figured that it had to be a full novel, the reason for my confusion being the sheer amount of detail in the film, but when I went back and read the novella later I found the film to be one of the truest adaptations that I’ve seen on screen. Sure, there are plenty of differences between the two, character backgrounds changed, adjustments on timing to make the film seem a little more seamless and cinematically smooth, but all and all, the heart of the original story is captured in the film. It’s that rare example where one can appreciate and enjoy each without disrespect or disregard for the other. More recently, there has appeared a new player in the Shawshank arena, and this one is on stage. Currently running at Tacoma Little Theatre (TLT) through June 18, the story was adapted for stage by playwrights Owen O’Neill and Dave Johns, whose original production debuted in Dublin in 2009 before transferring over to London’s West End and finally being released for access by community theaters in 2019.. When I saw this appear as TLT’s season closing show, it prompted a number of questions. First off, how much of this version is based strictly on the original story or how much has the film influenced this piece, and how would director Blake R. York handle many of the difficult and cringe-worthy scenes that are found in both?
The stage play it’s stated is based on the original Steven King novella, but there are enough nods to the film version to be sure that the writers were heavily influenced by that one as well. Again, like the film before it, even though there are departures for the original source material, the play captures the heart of the story, which at the end of the day is the most important thing. The basic story is the same, Andy Dufresne finds himself in the Shawshank Penitentiary in Maine, having been convicted, albeit wrongly he proclaims, of the murders of his wife and her lover. The Shawshank Redemption follows Andy as he navigates his way through the challenges of prison life, the battles for fiefdoms of power, and his personal and ongoing fight to prove his innocence. It’s a dark, dark story, there is no easy life in prison and the stage play goes all in on that theme. Director Blake R. York could have easily diluted the content as well, but kudos to him and the TLT creative staff for including all of it, the bribes, the fighting, the (for lack of a more family friendly phrase) prison power struggles, it’s all here. Yes, there are moments in the show that will make any audience member gasp, sometimes in surprise, sometimes in disgust, but at the end of the day, it’s about being true to the story and this production most definitely is that.
The dark theme is so important to the telling of The Shawshank Redemption, and that starts with the set, but is complemented by both the lighting and sound designs. This is clearly Blake’s project. Listed as the Technical Director, Scenic Designer, and the one responsible for visuals, it’s clear that his vision is threaded throughout the entire show, and apparent immediately upon entry into the theatre. The stage dark, the rear lined with prison bars and the only set pieces on stage are tables and benches. From there, what is physically on stage doesn’t vary all that greatly, the benches simply get moved around, transforming the stage into the warden’s office, the prison yard, the dining hall. Constructing the set this way provides for quick changes and keeps the pace of the show quick, important in a show so dark and heavy. Niclas R. Olson’s lighting keeps the dark vision intact through its use of color and muted tones, and one scene stands out in particular as a highlight. During a scene in which the inmates are watching a Rita Hayworth film, a fight breaks out, in shadow like silhouettes against the lighted backdrop of the moving picture. This scene is so well done, and it’s all about the lighting.
If you’ve read my reviews of some of TLT’s earlier shows from this season, you’ll recall a critique that I’ve had consistently has been around the use of sound, whether it is inconsistency in volume, or tone, or consistency. There is no such issue here. There’s a low, dissonance that accompanies many of the scenes here, something sound designer Beau Prichard has employed that provides a consistent and underlying sense of impending doom and suspense. Further, a mysteriousness permeates through from his choices in music for scene changes. The Shawshank Redemption is a contrast, Andy Dufresne’s hope and determination in conflict with the other prisoners’ sense of resignation along with the prison staff’s theocratic dictatorship. All of this is prevalent in each aspect of this production’s creative design. It’s not a feel good show, and Blake’s overarching vision makes sure that the audience feels the intended uneasiness. Well done.
In order to pull this all off, beyond all of the creative pieces coming together, the cast needs to buy in on the story and the subject matter, and they do. Mason Quinn is Andy Dufresne in the Tacoma Little Theatre production. Mason does a fine job in this transformational role, from the quiet new inmate that doesn’t bother anyone, to the one fighting for his position among the gangs and jailyard cliques, to the man who positions himself as a sort of leader among the prisoners, playing both sides at times, the ultimate chess master among an unwitting group of pawns. Ellis “Red” Boyd Redding, meanwhile, is the one who can get things, the first one Andy reaches out to among the imprisoned. He’s also the narrator of the tale. Played by Mark Peterson, it’s a role that is hard to separate from the acting legend who played him onscreen, Morgan Freeman, but that’s exactly what Mark does here. His delivery is all his own, it’s slow, it’s deliberate, and it’s good. When he steps up from character to narrator, he has a good command of the stage and does well to outlay the story in his own way, all the while being an active participant in its telling.
The character of Shawshank’s warden is one example where the film, and this stage version, differ from the Steven King novella. Given the time served by these prisoners, the novella presents a series of wardens, while the film and stage pieces use one, and have made him a seriously hard nosed commander named Stammas. Joseph Grant is Warden Gregory Stammas here and is very good. A self-professed man of faith, Stammas wields a heavy hand and Joseph’s performance, while coming across a little softer in Act 1, hits its stride in Act 2, when Stammas’ conflict comes to a head. The supporting cast of inmates is excellent as well, including Joshua Johnson as prison guard Hadley whose performance is very well rounded, and Roger Iverson as Brooks “Brooksie” Harlem. Brooksie’s character is comfortable in his imprisonment, concerned and conflicted when his parole is up. He’s a tragic character, and it’s in good hands with Roger. This group is an ensemble that works very well together and is completely bought in. Kudos especially to Joshua Olver, as Bogs Diamond, leader of the “sisters”, Shawshank’s resident gang and ultimate power player. The play asks a lot of this character, from language to handling some very adult situations, and it’s remarkable how good Joshua does with it. His performance is excellent, and the specific scenes he shares with Mason Quinn’s Andy Dufresne so horrifying, but so well done, it’s a credit to Joshua’s ability to confidently pull them off, and it’s no wonder these scenes were met with gasps from the audience.
The Shawshank Redemption is a deep and dark show, one that is not easy to watch at times, but is so well presented, it’s right up there with the original novella and film version in terms of the quality of storytelling. Blake R. York has assembled a crack team of creatives to help present his vision of this classic tale, and a cast that captures each character with respect and dignity. If you’re a fan of the novella or film, Shawshank at TLT will be a wonderful addition to your collection. If not, you’ll be treated to an expertly crafted piece of theatre. Either way, Tacoma Little Theatre has closed out the season in the best way possible, with a winner.
The Shawshank Redemption runs onstage at Tacoma Little Theatre in Tacoma, WA, through June 18. For more information and tickets, visit https://www.tacomalittletheatre.com/. Note that the show is recommended for ages 16 and up due to adult language and situations that may not be suitable for younger patrons. For more information on this, please visit the theater’s website.
Photo credit: Dennis K Photography