Ring Twice for Miranda

Ring Twice for Miranda

Red Horse Productions & RME Theatrical Group

New York City Center Stage II

February 11, 2017

Photo courtesy of Ring Twice for Miranda

Ring Twice forMiranda, presented by Red Horse Productions and RME Theatrical Group, is a new play by Alan Hruska.  Rick Lombardo’s direction has allowed the actors to create realistic and honest relationships and build conflict throughout the action.  Unfortunately, the environment depicted in the production does not match the complexity of the world of the play as written by Mr. Hruska.  With focused variations in the production concept, this could be a very powerful play with strong thematic impact.

Miranda (played by Katie Kleiger) and Elliot (played by George Merrick) are employed by Sir (played by Graeme Malcolm).  It is clear they are the maid and the butler, yet their actual job responsibilities are purposefully vague and varied.  When Sir’s right hand man, Gulliver (played by Daniel Pearce), fires Elliot, Miranda decides to leave with him.  Inside the house they have all the food and luxuries they need, yet the world outside the house is dark, deserted, and dangerous.  Sir has total command of the “district,” which has been abandoned out of hunger and desperation.  On their journey north, Miranda and Elliot meet a few travelers before being summoned back to the house by Felix (played by Ian Lassiter). 

Katie Kleiger, George Merrick, William Connell,
& Talia Theisfield
Photo courtesy of Ring Twice for Miranda

Katie Kleiger and George Merrick are in sync as Miranda and Elliot.  They have a good sense of timing that keeps them connected throughout the action of the play.  The same could be said for William Connell and Talia Theisfield.  They bring levity to the roles of Chester and Anouk, two travelers that Miranda and Elliot meet while in exile.  Their bawdy and bold characterizations play very well against the setting and other characters in the play.  Ian Lassiter’s portrayal of Felix is well developed and multi-layered, bringing the right blend of humor and darkness that the script demands. 

George Merrick & Ian Lassiter
Photo courtesy of Ring Twice for Miranda

Graeme Malcolm is commanding in the role of Sir.  The unspoken truths of his rule over the district creates an effective level of uncertainty.  This is where the environment does not fully serve the world of the play.  Mr. Hruska’s dialogue leads you to believe that Sir has created a utopian society where he dictates and controls the economics and emotion of all inhabitants.  The oppression and fear of that set up are not viscerally evident.  Daniel Pearce’s portrayal of Gulliver strongly suggests a dominant, competitive ruling, yet the dangers to the society outside the house are merely spoken about, not felt.

Ring Twice for Miranda leaves a lot of open ends for discussion and deep thought.  See it for yourself and comment here with your point of view.  The production runs at New York City Center Stage II through April 16.

Domenick Danza