'Ernest and the Pale Moon' at Western CT State University - A Review

DANBURY - “Ernest and the Pale Moon” is not a play that one often sees produced. It was one that I have never heard of before attending a matinee performance by the Western Connecticut State University Department of Theatre Arts in the university’s Studio Theatre in the Visual and Performing Arts Center on their Westside Campus.

The play was written by Oliver Lansley, an English screenwriter, and Doctor Who actor. Inspired by the work of Edgar Allan Poe and Alfred Hitchcock, “Ernest and the Pale Moon” is a scary tale of obsession and murder based upon a short story by Oliver Lansley about a man who spends his days watching the beautiful young woman who lives in the apartment block opposite.

The noir horror tale tells the gothic story of Ernest, a jealous young man obsessed with Gwendoline, his beautiful neighbor. When murder is committed, guilt turns into madness, and there is an unpredictable twist.

Dramaturg Olivia Lanteri warns in her notes in the printed program that the audience should prepare to be scared and to not trust everything they see during the performance. The three main characters have been involuntarily institutionalized in a horrifying 1920’s asylum and we are left to wonder if they are truly insane or merely the victims of untreated societal pressure, trauma and abuse.

Lanteri also shares that the scenes are presented out of chronological order, using flashbacks and metaphors to tell this chilling tale, and the audience must piece them together to get the story straight before the play ends. In a few memorable scenes, the characters effectively “rewind” their actions, as if on film. They often speak of themselves in the third person, which actually helps to clarify the action.

The university students were directed by guest director Donna Baldwin-Bradby, who is a professor of Theatre Arts at North Carolina A&T University. She was most recently named Executive Director of Touring Theatre of North Carolina and remains heavily involved with the annual National Black Theatre Festival.

There are two casts that alternate the performances that run through April 10. I saw the cast that appeared at the Sunday, April 3 matinee performance.

Ethan Rombalsk, a first year Musical Theatre major from Maine (pictured above,) tackled the challenging role of Ernest Humel, a man who is haunted by intense childhood trauma. He did very well with all of the chilling aspects of the character. Elijah Carbone, a junior from Wallingford, shares the role.

Raissatou Karim, a junior Theatre Performance major from Stratford, played the lovely Gwendoline Bertram, a woman with a visual disability. Laura Roberts, a junior who appeared in “Head Over Heels,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” and “Hand to God,” shares the role.

Thomas Thistle, a war veteran grappling with shrapnel in his leg and battle trauma, was played by Jacob Erdody, a first-year Musical Theatre major from Milford, New Hampshire, who played Tim in “Noises Off.” He shares the role with sophomore Jaxon Beirne (Robbie Hart in “The Wedding Singer” at Center Stage) from Milford.

The mother of Ethan was played by WCSU junior Destiny Samuel, who shares the role with Erin Hager, a junior Theatre Performance major. Hager played the nurse in the performance I attended and mastered an evil laugh. Samuel performs the role of the nurse in the other cast.

Donovan Shaw, a sophomore from Bristol, plays Edgeford and Jonah King (ensemble in “Head Over Heels”) appears as an officer. Other members of the featured ensemble at all performances include junior Becca Ferrante from Norwalk and senior Aurora Schloat from Avon, who was in the ensemble of “Mamma Mia” at the Thomaston Opera House.

The scenic design by Clifton Chadick is a very impressive work of art. Gray and spooky, it sets the tone for the various scenes. The set pieces are on wheels and work seamlessly to match the locations and facilitate some stunning visual images.

Lighting design by Daisy Long enhances the elements of the set and the performers. Costumes designed by Mary Donovan are perfect for the period. The sound design by Ben Warner adds another layer of spookiness and includes a storm.

The show is presented without an intermission and runs approximately one hour. This production features the use of strobe lights and loud sound effects including gunshots and is considered appropriate for ages 12 and up. Masks are required, and due to limited seating tickets should be purchased in advance at www.wcsuvpac.eventbrite.com.