REVIEW: ‘Strangers on a Train’ at Meadow Brook Theatre Takes the Audience on a Chilling Ride of Murder and Intrigue

Meadow Brook Theatre (MBT) kicked off its 58th season with the Michigan premiere of the thrilling psychological classic Strangers on a Train, which will run through November 3, 2024, on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester, MI.

Originally, a novel by Patricia Highsmith (1950), then a film by the master of suspense, Alfred Hitchcock (1951), and finally a play by Craig Warner (2013), Strangers on a Train asks, is there such a thing as the ‘perfect’ murder? Would you be tempted to kill someone if you knew you wouldn’t get caught? That is the dilemma faced by the outgoing Charles Bruno (Stephen Blackwell) and the reserved Guy Haines (Ron Williams) when they have a serendipitous meeting on a train.

L to R: Ron Williams as ‘Guy Haines’ and Stephen Blackwell as ‘Charles Bruno’ strike up an unlikely partnership in ‘Strangers on a Train.’ Photo courtesy of Sean Carter Photography

Guy is unhappy with his adulterous wife and Charles hates his controlling father. Over Socrates and spirits, they become close-quarter confidants and Charles proposes since they are strangers, they could get rid of each other’s ‘problem,’ and no one would be the wiser. At first, Guy is shocked at the suggestion, but eventually half-heartedly agrees not realizing just how serious Charles is… until his wife ends up dead.

Initially, Guy can’t believe Charles went through with it, but Charles shows him just how serious he is by blackmailing and manipulating Guy into holding up his end of the bargain, leading Guy to slowly start coming undone. Kudos to Williams for convincingly taking the audience on his character’s emotional rollercoaster.

Charles is spoiled, used to getting his way, and is a man-child who has an unhealthy codependent relationship with his mother, Elsie Bruno (Julia Glander). He is obsessed with the idea that with his father out of the way, he will finally be able to live, so he channels that obsession into Guy, constantly calling him and even showing up to his wedding to Anne Faulkner (Ashley Wickett). Charles’ overbearing personality wears Guy down to the point where his relationships with his boss Frank Myers (Tobin Hissong), his best friend Robert Treacher (David Moan), and even Anne begin to suffer. By the end of the first act, Guy is a tortured soul barely hanging on. Even after Guy does what Charles wants, he is still damaged. Only Anne’s passionate belief in and love for Guy allows him to find release from his torment.

In the second act, there is a reversal where Charles begins to have a breakdown. Especially when private investigator Arthur Gerard (Chip DuFord) starts relentlessly pursuing every breadcrumb relating to Mr. Bruno’s death until it finally leads him to the truth. In a gripping scene that had me holding my breath, Charles is writhing in agony on the floor; consumed by his alcoholism and his demons. As Arthur stands over him, he says, “Why should I send you to prison? You’re already there.” Even Charles’ mother turns her back on him. In wanting to live, Charles ends up slowly killing himself, and the accuracy with which Blackwell conveys this is powerful. He had to be emotionally and physically spent after that scene.

From L to R: David Moan as ‘Robert Treacher,’ Chip DuFord as ‘Arthur Gerard,’ Ashley Wickett as ‘Anne Faulkner,’ Stephen Blackwell as ‘Charles Bruno,’ Ron Williams as ‘Guy Haines,’ Julia Gladner as ‘Elsie Bruno,’ and Tobin Hissong as ‘Frank Meyers’ in the Michigan premiere of ‘Strangers on a Train.’ Photo courtesy of Sean Carter Photography

Light versus dark. Good versus evil. Strangers on a Train is immersed in duality, which is equally engrossing and disturbing. The rich complexity of the story will leave you on the edge of your seat, and the MBT cast and crew have the breadth of experience to present this show in such a clever manner. Even the stage and set designs have a commanding presence with shades of gray and black evoking a film noir mood. From the moment the house lights dim, you are pulled in and the story advances in a way that feels intimate and compelling.

So, grab a ticket and allow yourself to get ensnared in this deliciously wicked morality tale. It will be a ride you won’t forget!

This show runs over two hours with a 15-minute intermission. Please note there are loud noises and that MBT has rated this show for middle school age and up.

Strangers On a Train is directed by Travis W. Walter, with scenic design by Brian Kessler, costume design by Liz Goodall, lighting design by Brian Debs, and sound design by Matthew R. Chase. Brittanie Nichole Sicker is the stage manager.

Tickets range from $39 to $48 and are available by calling the Meadow Brook Theatre box office at 248-377-3300 or going online at www.Ticketmaster.com. Student discounts are available at the box office. Groups of eight or more should call 248-370-3316 for group pricing.

About Sarah Hovis

Freelance wordsmith, arts appreciator, grammar geek, sports spectator, stationery snob, and world traveler, Sarah charts her own course as the owner of saliho creative. She uses her creative mind and engaging dialogue to fearlessly bring the written word to life in print and online… all while keeping a watchful eye out for the next literary adventure. You can reach her at sarah@rochestermedia.com.

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