WESTFIELD – Can an isolated incident cause catastrophic consequences or can it be a chain of events – like the Butterfly Effect of one tiny butterfly wing flapping that sets things in motion? That domino effect is one of the interesting questions posed in J.B. Priestly’s play An Inspector Calls now being presented in a tight, well presented production by the Westfield Community Players. It’s akin to an Agatha Christie play where people are gathered who seemingly have nothing to do with an incident yet thread by thread a tapestry is woven to reveal a picture of responsibility.
The time frame is pre–World War I, in 1912, where a wealthy family, the Birlings, headed by Arthur Birling (Christopher C. Gibbs), are about to celebrate the engagement of daughter, Sheila (Ruth Kliwinski) to Gerald Croft (Stephen A Mennella). Arthur’s wife Sybil (Mary O’Connor-Kelley), and their son Eric (Matt Marino) are all seated comfortably in a very luxurious drawing room (fabulous set design by Linda Correll). Self-righteous Arthur is a man who believes that “a man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own.” He doesn’t like the “leftists” or labor unions, and he dismissed his factory workers who staged a strike. He very much knows his place in the upper echelons of society and wants to maintain it.
So, when Inspector Goole (the impressive Ron Richardson) rings their doorbell at night and disrupts the festivities, the family wonders why they are about to be interviewed about a woman who has committed suicide. One by one, the family members are quizzed about their involvement with this woman, Eva Smith. They each protest they don’t know that person until they are shown a photo, and their minds are jogged with a long-forgotten or buried connection. The inspector – Mr. Richardson – fits the bill in the playwright’s description of who should play the role of the investigator/inquisitor. He needn’t be large in stature but must command the stage fully. Mr. Richardson does that in his demeanor and so much more. His booming voice is used beautifully when needed yet he uses sotto voce to great effect. While he plays cat and mouse with the family, he’s able to elicit confessions and admissions with expert timing.
How each one owns up to the supposed role in the girl’s death is fascinating. The members of the younger generations recognize their guilt and are remorseful for whatever small or large part they played in the girl’s spiraling depression. The older folks, however, refuse to accept any responsibility. They are concerned about how things will look to the neighbors. It was two years ago that Mr. Birling fired Eva for being one of the ringleaders in a strike at his factory. But surely, he surmises, that couldn’t make him in any way a part of what caused her to drink disinfectant. Likewise, Mrs. Birling, a volunteer member of a charity organization, could not have cared less about this young woman who needed help. With pursed lips, a supercilious
attitude, and an imperious demeanor, she looks down on everyone not in her class, especially this girl. Then she justifies her actions with a wave of her hand.Actor Ms. O’Conner-Kelley’s body language stiffens throughout, suggesting her character will never admit to being wrong.
Lovely evening dresses and formal male attire (costumes by Ed Bontempo) help pull the audience into the world of these upper-crust Englishmen. The burgundy velvet settee and chairs are a complement to the opulence of the room that hosts an electric marble fireplace and an impressive mantle area dressed in a tapestry. Brava to director Cass Cochrane for keeping the pace at a leisurely one with suspense pushing it along. In a well-written two-act play, there should be a question mark or an exclamation point at the end of the first act. Priestly’s play gives a double exclamation point.
As the play builds, each of the characters has a spotlight monologue that reveals inner turmoil. With actors that have been perfectly cast, Ms. Cochrane uses their talents to showcase their strengths. Veteran actor Mr. Gibbs is delightful as the officious patriarch we love to secretly hiss and boo. Ms. Kliwinski’s soft English accent is spot on. Her characterization of a credible, repentant Sheila is exquisite. As her fiancée, Mr. Mennella shines in his portrayal of a questioning, natural sleuth. And Mr. Marino shapes his character’s drunken state subtly, which is not always easy to do.
A talented cast in the hands of a talented director is a beautiful thing.
The play runs March 23, 24 and 29, 30. Tickets may be purchased at the door, through their website at wcptheatre.org, or by phone at (908) 232-1221.
