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Biedermann and the Firebugs by Cygnet Theatre Company  When arsonist “firebugs” start burning down the homes and
neighborhoods of the city, it’s time for brave citizens to stand up and
fight for the safety of all. That’s what Herr Biedermann boasts in the comfort
of the bar and at home. But his noble courage begins to waver a
bit when confronted with a smooth-talking, true-to-life firebug who worms his
way into Biedermann’s attic and suspiciously starts collecting barrels of
incendiary materials there. At some point the brave Biedermann begins toning
down his righteous rhetoric, reasoning that it might be wiser to mollify the
firebugs so they just burn down other people’s homes – not his.Tim Irving is the spineless Biedermann, the humbug star of this dark comedy, who both amuses and disgusts as he pathetically caves and caters to first one firebug, and then another. His awkward concessions to his “guests” always followed by his self-righteous strength while explaining his concessions to his wife, maid, and the audience are perfectly performed. As he tells his household, “As long as they are laughing and drinking, we are all safe.” Causing Biedermann his anxiety are the humorously creep diabolical duo of firebugs – Daren Scott and Joshua Everett Johnson. Daren charms with puppy dog eyes and subtle use of his intimidating size, Joshua with his smooth, diplomatic style. Laura Bozanich is a rip as Biedermann’s melodramatic wife Babette who has legitimate reasons to be a bit frazzled for fear of being sizzled. Lisel Gorell-Getz is the comically confused maid. Joshua Harrell, Jerry Lee, and Kim Strassburger combine for a chorus of intrepid firemen standing guard over a city, which they can tell is hopelessly lost whenever they glance over at the Biedermann home. The entire cast uses movement and body language to such tremendous effect that they could probably do the entire play wordlessly and still get the story across in its entirety. Sean Murray’s marvelous set design makes it easy for the chorus to peep in on the Biedermanns’ cartoonish home from their perch atop a hillside of mini houses where fires occasionally erupt thanks to Eric Lotze’s skillful lighting and M. Scott Grabau’s sound. Shulamit Nelson gives the show a whimsically fifty-ish feel highlighted by Babette’s flowery housewife dress, the German doll-like outfit for the maid, and firebug Daren Scott’s goofy getup of vest, suspenders, boots, and tattoos. Tim Irving and Director Sean Murray adapted Michael Bullock’s translation of this play by German playwright Max Frisch who wrote Biedermann and the Firebugs a few years after World War II, a not-so-subtle stab at those who quietly watched the Nazis come to power, hoping that by being quiet they might survive even if many of their neighbors were murdered. A stab at the past, and a warning for future generations if ever those in power begin destroying the lives of innocent neighbors. Do you stand up and help, or do you cower and hope that by your acquiescence you won’t be next?Performs through February 12, 2006.
~ Cast ~
Babette: Laura Bozanich Anna: Lisel Gorell-Getz Constable, Chorus Lead: Joshua Harrell Biedermann: Tim Irving Willie: Joshua Everett Johnson Professor, Chorus: Jerry Lee Sepp: Daren Scott Frau Knechtling, Chorus: Kim Strassburger Director: Sean Murray Scenic Design: Sean Murray Lighting Design: Eric Lotze Sound Design: M. Scott Grabau Costume Design: Shulamit Nelson Properties Design: Bonnie Durben Stage Manager: Rosalee Barrientos |