The Firebugs

From: "will stackman" profwlll@yahoo.com

Subject: Quicktake - "The Firebugs" by Max Frisch

Date: Sat., Dec. 10, 10:33 PM

Quicktake on THE FIREBUGS

     Once again TheatreZone has come up with a first-rate interpretation of a modern classic. Max Frish's absurd tragicomedy "Herr Biedermann und die Brandshifter", known in English as "The Firebugs", was taken in 1958 as an allegory about the rise of facism. It's continued relevance suggests that Frisch's insight into the relationship between middle-class capitalism, government oppression, and terrorism (in this play, arson) is as true today.

     Gottlieb Biederman (God-loved Anyman), a hair tonic manufacturer is a perfect role for veteran comic actor Bill Doscher. His wife Babette is played by Danielle Fauteux Jacques, co-director of this production with Atissa Banuazizi, and TheatreZone's Artistic Director. The two "firebugs", Sepp Schmitz and Willi Eisenring, are an ominously bald Floyd Richardson, a TheatreZone veteran, and tuxedoed Steven Libby, seen as a Dromio at Publick Theatre this summer. The remaining parts are a delightfully accented Flavia Steiner as Anna the maid, silent Elizabeth Kurtz as widowed Mrs. Knechtling, Rick Carpenter briefly as the ambiguous Ph.D, and Anna Waldron as leader of the chorus of firepeople. She starts the show in an outrageous sequined dress singing--what else--a torch song. The eight chanting and dancing actors in the diverse chorus harken back to those in the ancient Greek comedy, giving this absurdist comedy a unique timelessness.

     The show features live contemporary music and sound effects from Mark Warhol's ensemble. Matthew Kossack worked out the footstomping street-wise choreography. The set of red painted levels was created by Julia Noulin-Merat in her 9th show for TheatreZone, who completing her MFA in Scenic Design at BU. Debbi Hobson's costumes, from Biederman's continental suit to Sepp's carnival wrestler's garb to the effective fireman's outfits give the show a finished look. This "morality play, without a moral" is well worth the short trip out to Chelsea. Carpooling is best; go a little early. .Parking around the triangle in Chelsea Sq. is generally easy to find. I prefer to drive in through tank farm and the wholesale vegetable market from Rt. 99 in Everett and turn left at the second set of lights after driving under the Tobin Bridge. There's a good map on TheatreZone's site.

---

"The Firebugs" by Max Frisch, Dec.9 - 23

TheatreZone at Chelsea Theatre Works

189 Winnisimmet, Chelsea Sq. / (617 ) 887 - 2336
TheatreZone