December 5, 2015 – Thérèse Raquin is a dark period piece with intrigue now at Roundabout’s famed Studio 54 written by Helen Edmundson (02/19/1964 – ) based on the novel by Emile Zola (4/2/1840 to 9/29/1902) and Directed by Evan Cabnet. It is often performed as a musical, but this was a straight play. Opening Night – October 29, 2015 closing January 3, 2016.
The story is about family interaction. Mother (Madame Raquin) takes care of son (Camille) and a girl that came to live with the family and becomes a daughter (Therese). Madame is very dominant and controls the situation. She decides that Camille and Therese should marry. Neither are really interested, but go along with the plan. Various friends come for a regular domino game and one – Laurent – is commissioned to do a painting of Camille. During these sessions, Therese and Laurent fall madly in love and scheme to “dispose of” Camille. This is finally achieved and after a reasonable waiting period of 9 months, while widow is in mourning, Laurent and Therese scheme and eventually get married with the blessing of mother, who gives all her assets to the new couple. However, the ghost of Camille never permits them happiness and mother becomes paralyzed and is rendered mute and in a wheel chair. A dark twist finalizes the tragedy.
One of the most striking aspects of the piece is the outstanding lighting design (Keith Parham) and excellent sets (Beowulf Boritt). Judith Light (Tony awards for “Other Desert Cities” and “The Assembled Parties” and also known for her TV series – Who’s The Boss”) as the mother does a masterful job. Therese Raquin (Keira Knightley. – known for film – Bend it like Beckham, Anna Karenina and TV – Doctor Zhivago, Oliver Twist etc) is brilliant in the difficult role of Therese Raquin. Her silence through a good part of the first act was well done and the change in moods and attitude was excellent. Camille Raquin (Gabriel Ebert – Brief Encounter, Casa Valentina and numerous others) performs his role reasonably as a hen pecked (by mother) person. When he asserts himself and decides to go with Therese and mother, to Paris and out of the small country village, it is a surprise, but results in the move. The other key member of the cast – Laurent (Matt Ryan – Hamlet, Henry V and Small Change) does a good credible job, both as the passionate lover and husband.

In summary, a dark tragedy with twists and turns. Not to be seen if you are looking for lighthearted amusement, but a very good show if you are looking for good theatre.