Theater Review: 'The Smell of the Kill' at Phoenix Stage Company

Review by Nancy Sasso Janis

Phoenix Stage Company in Oakville continues its “Season of Inclusion,” during which the company will present the works of female playwrights. “The Smell of the Kill” by Michele Lowe will run through March 23.

This is a funny dark comedy about three marriages on the rocks that was written in 1999. Interestingly enough, the playwright did not set out to make the show funny. While the premise is certainly dark, there is plenty of comedy in the two acts.

Three malicious wives and their three miserable and unloving husbands rotate homes to meet for dinner. While their unseen spouses play golf in the dining room, the women exchange confidences in the kitchen. The wives reveal that all three marriages are on the brink of disaster and the women are facing the challenges of their lives.

It turns out that Nicky's husband has been indicted for embezzlement, Molly's husband is stalking her, and Debra's husband is leaving her for another woman. Then the men mistakenly lock themselves in a basement meat locker and the women are faced with a life-or-death decision.

Jonathan Ross directs this cast of six performers, the actresses playing the wives on stage and the actors who voice their husbands from off stage.

The three actresses do extremely well with their well-drawn, and darkly funny, characters. The husbands are college friends and the women have been forced to tolerate one another during the once-a-month dinners for years.

The always wonderful Laura Sturges-Cortez plays Debra, who is usually the voice of reason among the three wives. Jennifer Beveridge takes on the role of Nicky, who is married to the man about to be tried for fraud. It is such a treat to see Phoenix Stage veteran Heather Graham back on this stage in the role of Molly, who is essentially stalked by her devoted husband and desperately wants a baby.

From off stage, the audience hears the voices of Christopher Guertin as Jay, Tony Benedetti as Marty and Stephen Walters in the role of Danny.

Michael P.M. Calabrese, who is a local director, works as stage manager for the play and was also in charge of props. The kitchen of one of the couples was constructed by the set crew of Christopher Guertin, his father Lou Guertin and the director. The set is beautifully realistic and includes a linoleum floor, a working sink in the center island and a refrigerator to keep edible props cold.

Phoenix Stage Executive Producer Ed Bassett designed the contemporary costumes for the women, who must bravely strip down to their undergarments for one scene. Bassett also took on the sound and video design, with Al Hathway in charge of the great lighting design, especially for the final epilogue scene.

The opening night performance was dedicated to the memory of Mike Ritz, who appeared in Phoenix Stage’s inaugural production of “Bleacher Bums” at their previous space in Naugatuck.

Auditions for the upcoming “Decision Heights” by Meredith Dayna Levy have been announced. Chris Evans will direct. The cast requires nine women and will open May 3.

“The Smell of the Kill” is presented with one intermission. Performances are Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Phoenix Stage Company is located at 133 Main Street, Oakville. Admission prices $22-25. Tickets at phoenixstagecompany.org or call the theater at 860-417-2505.