Theater review: ‘Gaslight’ at Theatre West

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Theatre West resurrects Patrick Hamilton’s 1938 thriller “Gaslight” as part of its Chestnuts series, which reintroduces neglected classics to modern-day audiences.

The play, which broke records on Broadway in 1941 under the title “Angel Street,” starred Vincent Price as the malevolent Mr. Manningham, an autocratic husband intent upon driving his downtrodden wife to madness. The 1944 film version, starring Charles Boyer as the sociopathic spouse, garnered Ingrid Bergman a best actress Oscar.

Fans of the film will find it fascinating to compare Hamilton’s play with the film, whose three credited screenwriters largely improved upon the original – a rare occurrence in Hollywood adaptations.

Hamilton’s decidedly expository play may be creaky at times, but it’s the satisfyingly eerie creak of closet doors opening to reveal hidden skeletons. Set designer Jeff G. Rack’s Victorian parlor hints at hidden passages leading into darkness, while Yancey Dunham’s ominously flickering lighting augments the tension.

Under Charlie Mount’s direction, this chestnut has been roasted to a golden turn. You might scorch your fingers a bit on Don Moss as Inspector Rough, the indefatigable sleuth out to bag an elusive old nemesis. Moss, who replaced another actor after the programs were printed, is a bit rough as Rough, but one suspects he will smooth out over the course of the run. Naturally, anyone battling the ghost of Ingrid Berman has an uphill campaign, but if you can master your irritation at her character’s initial lack of backbone, you’ll find Corinne Shor’s Mrs. Manningham tremendously appealing. But the evening’s darkest pleasure is John Cygan as the suavely commanding Mr. Manningham, whose masterful creepiness is nothing short of enthralling.

-- F. Kathleen Foley

“Gaslight,” Theatre West, 3333 Cahuenga Blvd. West, Los Angeles. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. Ends Sept. 27. $22. (323) 851-7977. Running time: 2 hours, 30 minutes.