Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation in which the abuser attempts to sow self-doubt and confusion in their victim’s mind. That is the definition from Google. Most people are familiar with the term from a 1944 film starring Charles Boyer and Ingrid Bergman, based on a 1938 play by Patrick Hamilton. Act II Playhouse is presenting “Gaslight,” the original play, and it is quite the psychological thriller.
Jack Manningham seems like the caring husband as he attends his wife who is troubled by various visions. Does she have a mental illness like her mother? She hears strange noises. She misplaces and forgets things. She complains of the gas lights that light their home that flicker and dim when he is not there. What is going on?
In time, we learn of the history of the house from Elizabeth, the parlor maid, but we are not sure whether or not we can believe her. But it soon becomes clear that Manningham is gaslighting his wife. There is so much story for me to comment upon, but it would reveal too much of the plot, and so I won’t.
The production, directed flawlessly by Kate Brennan, is beautifully underplayed by an amazing ensemble. Curtis Mark Williams as Manningham, is so convincing as he tends to his wife at the start, that we sympathize with his effort to help her. And Jessica Dalcanton as his wife Bella, perfectly portrays a woman who is struggling and confused. Add to the mix the incomparable Penelope Reed as Elizabeth who is an odd anchor on the shipwreck of this macabre tale with so many unfolding stories in this 80 minute drama.
It’s a classic story that is still very relevant today. Infused with humor, it is “old theater” at its best and presented superbly by Act II Playhouse.
“Gaslight” by Patrick Hamilton at Act II Playhouse, 56 E. Butler Avenue., Ambler, PA 19002, 215-654-0200, act2.org Extended thru October 28, 2023
Philadelphia Theater Reviews by Frank Burd 