Lots of Twists, With a Few Shouts as Well

"Mindgame," the latest production from the Port Tobacco Players, is a thriller filled with more wicked twists and turns than any road traveled. Reviewing a show like this without revealing anything is a challenge, but this play will keep audience members guessing.

Anthony Horowitz's three-character script is set at Fairfields, an English experimental hospital for the criminally insane. Writer Mark Styler implores Dr. Farquhar, the facility's director, to allow him to interview one of the serial killers housed there. Nurse Plimpton strongly cautions against the idea. Throughout their discussions, a series of lies, memories and manipulations -- along with some good, old-fashioned trickery -- keeps audience members alert as they try to figure out where the story will go next.

David Timmermann does a nice job as Mark Styler in the beginning, passionately pleading for an interview with a serial killer the likes of Jeffrey Dahmer. Timmermann is believably purposeful, but somehow through the course of the play, he falls just short of reaching the emotional peaks and intensity that would achieve the show's full psychological impact. It doesn't help that some of his clothes are clearly too large, leaving the impression of a young boy who dressed himself from his father's wardrobe. That's a costumer's issue, but it's another obstacle Timmerman has to overcome in an already challenging role.

As Dr. Farquhar, Randy Tusing (who also directs) turns in a fine performance. He takes his character from one extreme to the other with seeming ease, although he telegraphs some of the play's twists just a bit early. His character loses control frequently, and Tusing thoroughly convinces his audience that he's right on the edge. It's hard to believe that a play like this could be funny, but the script injects humor, and Tusing makes the most of every opportunity to break the tension with the laugh lines provided.

Kim Donaldson plays Nurse Plimpton, who, like the two male characters, rides an emotional roller coaster. The actress is at her best when her character is hysterical, although she tones it down nicely when the script calls for it.

A few things chip away at the play's plausibility, including locked doors that sometimes open without a key and Tusing's directorial decision to produce the play with American accents, although the setting is England.

Leslie Wanko's lighting design works well. Several special effects are called for, and each went off successfully during a dress rehearsal.

A series of stage combats, choreographed by the two main actors with the help of Kyle Tusing, is also well done. Music is used sporadically throughout the performance and was a touch loud during the rehearsal, which made it difficult to hear the actors at times.

The pace of the first act is sometimes slow, but the second act moves quickly -- and intensely -- toward a payoff audience members won't see coming.

This is not a show for children, but adults who like a good thriller will enjoy the experience.

"Mindgame" runs through Sunday. Show times are 8 p.m. tomorrow and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday. Performances are at the Port Tobacco Playhouse, 508 E. Charles St., La Plata. General admission, $15; students and seniors, $12. For more information or reservations, visithttp://www.ptplayers.com/Seating/Tickets.htmor call 301-932-6819.