The Rogue Theatre has done the near impossible: It made me fall in love with Dylan Thomas’ “Under Milk Wood.”
Reading it didn’t cut it for me. The 1972 movie of the poem/theatrical piece, starring Richard Burton and Peter O’Toole, was just perplexing.
But … The Rogue’s production made Thomas’ work come alive. It shimmered. The gorgeous language, the quirky characters in the town of Milk Wood, the humor, were all brought to thrilling life by the theater’s ensemble.
Thomas’ play was originally a 1954 radio drama. It wasn’t intended to be performed on a live stage.
Director Christopher Johnson made the smart decision to make it a radio drama on stage, with actors doing sound effects and playing multiple characters. He choreographed a crowded stage with grace. He created a seamless piece.
The story by the Welsh poet is about a day in the life of the town of Milk Wood. It starts with the night as the townsfolk are sleeping. Their dreams, often funny, often tragic, are brought to life by various narrators. You know almost instantly you are in very good hands.
One by one, we are introduced to and watch the characters who make up life in this tiny village.
There’s the blind Captain Cat (Matt Walley), the former sea captain who dreams of long-dead friends and lovers and identifies the town folks by the sound of their voices and footsteps. And meek Mr. Pugh (Aaron Shand), who fantasizes about different ways to kill the thoroughly-unpleasant Mrs. Pugh (Carley Elizabeth Preston). And the nosey postman Willy Nilly (Christopher Pankratz) who brings the posts home so his wife (Preston again) can steam them open and they can read the contents before he delivers them.
Milk Wood is populated with a slew of other characters who fascinate, and there is not a weak link in this ensemble.
There’s no plot in this piece. There doesn’t need to be. A day in the life of the town’s residents is more entertainment than you could ever hope for.
So, if you aren’t a fan, go. You’ll become one. And if you are, go. To hear the play’s poetry recited by such rich talent is worth repeat visits.
“Under Milk Wood” is at The Rogue Theatre, 300 E. University in the Historic Y, through Jan. 28. Tickets are $47 at theroguetheatre.org or 520-551-2053.
The play is about 100 minutes with no intermission.
