The Olmsted Theater Presents 'The Hostage'

by Faunda Patterson

Rachel Risen and an all star cast shine on stage

The vintage country-style set of "The Hostage" was indeed beautiful, as the production opened to the general buzz of approval from those in attendance. A piano to the right and a photo of Jesus Christ above a crucifix, innumerable chairs, intricate brick work, draperies, rooms beyond rooms. Everything seems as if it has a little life in it. An Irish jig plays overhead above a five head antique chandelier. Sunlight attempts to break through the lace curtains beside the window seat. A bagpipe plays.

The constant sound of the bagpipe continues with inappropriate timing, somewhat distracting before it finally stops. "The Hostage" is set in 1958, Dublin, Ireland. Many people live in Patrick's (Brandon Kruhm) - the landlord's - house, a house full of folks coming from different circumstances. There's much dancing throughout the play and in the midst of it, in comes the prisoner, a British soldier, William, Leslie A. (Luis Otero).

"The Hostage" was more light-hearted and animated than I expected from the advertisements. Honestly, it was quite difficult to fully understand the play bcause most of the blocking took away from the plot as it focused more on the family with its singing and dancing.

Out of the three acts of "The Hostage", the most phenomenal was act three. That act contained a powerful moment, during which a sympathetic Teresa consoles the condemned prisoner, William, Leslie A., in the final minutes before his execution.

Though it had its down spots, all in all, "The Hostage" was wonderful. The entire cast was unbelievable from Brandon Kruhm (Patrick the landlord), Ray Munoz (Monsewer, the comical elderly former soldier), Luis Otero (William, Leslie A., the hostage), and Rachel Risen (Teresa). Kudos tot he cast!