The Night of the Hunter

Arriving Halloween weekend at Lyric Stage in Irving is the timely musical The Night of the Hunter, based on both the 1955 horror film (starring Robert Mitchum and Shelley Winters) and the original novel by Davis Grubb. (The film has high pedigree: it was adapted by James Agee and directed by Charles Laughton.) Like most Halloween bounties, this show contains some tremendous treats and some impressive tricks, yet ultimately the anticipation is greater than the results.

The Night of the Hunter revolves around the widow-killing character billed as 'The Preacher,' who sets his sight on the newly widowed Willa Harper. The reason? Having spent time in jail with Willa's now-dead husband Ben, the Preacher is on a hunt for the $10,000 that Ben stole and hid before he was arrested and hanged. Only Willa's son, John, questions the Preacher's motives.

The major disappointments of this musical adaptation are both the overall feel of the show and the music itself. The songs (with music by Claibe Richardson and lyrics by the show's book writer Stephen Cole) often have a gospel flavor. They are rich and full-bodied, which may be part of the problem. Like the tone of the show, the music could have used an infusion of danger and suspense. Instead, both feel and sound like they belong in a love story. However, not all the songs are misfires; I actually walked out of the theatre humming the first act anthem "Lookin' Ahead."

Scenic Designer Scott Osborne's stark, ominous set is striking and moves with imagination, precision and fluidity. The stagecraft peaks in the finale of Act One when the ensemble endures a horrific thunderstorm while on board a river-crossing ferry. On opening night the sound (design by J.D. Sones) and orchestra (under Scott A Eckert's direction), overpowered the actors; delivery of the lyrics in the first act. However, Director Cheryl Denson corrected this problem in the second act.

The cast is nearly perfect. Julie Johnson as Willa and Broadway vet Davis Gaines (The Phantom of The Opera) as The Preacher, both have powerful, belting voices. Marlhy Murphy (Pearl) and Jack Vangorden (John) as the children deliver convincing performances especially considering their age and the fact they are on stage nearly the whole show. Deborah Brown as Icey Spoon produces a fine, comedic performance and gets to sing one of the more catchy songs, "Ouiji." Lois Sonnier Hart nails the part of Rachel Cooper providing the show's best performance even though she only appears in the final quarter of the show.

There is much to admire, even like in The Night of the Hunter. However, if the show is to have a life beyond this production some thrills and chills need to be added and the score needs to be edited.

The Night of the Hunter continues through November 7, at the 2010 Irving Arts Center, 333 North MacArthur Irving, TX 75062 For more information visit www.lyricstage.org.