Interludes

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Philip Ridley’s seductive RADIANT VERMIN burns brightly at 59E59

• By drediman
• June 17, 2016
• No Comments

Last night I caught Philip Ridley’s Radiant Vermin, which is currently burning brightly at 59E59 Theaters.  Mr. Ridley’s work has gotten great exposure this past year – his intense and apocalyptic Mercury Fur was staged by The New Group last summer, and HERE put on, in repertory, his two searing solo shows Dark Vanilla Jungle and Tonight with Donny Stixx during the winter. Now New Yorkers have the opportunity to once again bask in Mr. Ridley pitch black worldview with his latest play, Radiant Vermin, one of the highlights of this year’s fantastic Brits Off-Broadway festival.

As with his previous plays, Radiant Vermin excels in creating a world that draws you in with its rich imagery and seductive characters. Once Mr. Ridley has you in his clutches, he shocks you by uncovering humanity’s terrible capacity for unthinkable deeds and thoughts. His latest play depicts a seemingly wholesome couple, Jill and Ollie, as they embark on attaining and realizing their dream home – but at what cost? The most disturbing aspect of Radiant Vermin is the playwright’s suggestion that deep down inside, when push comes to shove, us humans are devoid of genuine morality. What could be more cynical than that?

The frisky production is directed by David Mercantali with intensity and panache (on William Reynold’s simple, cleanly designed set). The same can be said of the production’s trio of dynamite performers, which includes Scarlett Alice Johnson, Sean Michael Verey and Debra Baker. As Jill and Ollie, the extremely likeable Ms. Johnson and Mr. Verey are simply smashing, exuding boundless energy and impeccable timing (they often times skillfully play multitudes of characters). As the Mephistophelian Miss Dee, the masterful Ms. Baker is disturbingly cool and in control.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

RADIANT VERMIN
Off-Broadway, Play
59E59 Theaters
1 hour, 35 minutes
Through July 3