The Runner Stumbles, now onstage at the Arclight Theater, is an emotionally
intense, neo-gothic tale of a missing nun in the early 1910s in Michigan.
It is based on true events, which give poignancy to the proceedings.
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The action starts with the arrest and
trial preparation of Father Rivard, a riveting turn by Christopher Patrick
Mullen. Father Rivard is being charged with the murder of Sister
Rita, a missing nun. The story then unfolds as a series of recollections
as he tells his story to his lawyer, and as the trial progresses.
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| Pictured (l-r): Christophe |
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Sister Rita is a young nun, sent to the
church to help with the school that Father Rivard has built. She shares
the convent with two other (unseen) nuns. Her youth and new ideas
challenge the Father and order of things, upsetting the housekeeper and the
other nuns, as well as Father Rivard. Before too long, the other nuns
suffer from consumption, and Sister Rita has to move into the rectory.
This raises the suspicions and gossip in the town and with the clerical hierarchy.
When Sister Rita goes missing, the same night as Father Rivard leaves town,
suspicion turns to accusations and a trial takes place.
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The Runner Stumbles is a very serious play; there are few moments of
laughter, but the overall tone is fairly bleak. We understand Father
Rivard has been sent to this remote parish for being too impassioned about his
duties, which is a trait that Sister Rita shares. Unfortunately, for the
majority of the show, his animation is too far under control. Father Rivard
is obviously attracted to Sister Rita, and the attraction makes him question
his faith and judgment. His attraction also makes him rather angry with
himself, and he takes it out on everyone around him.
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Mr. Mullen has a tough character to bring to life.
Father Rivard spends nearly the entire show in turmoil that erupts
occasionally; this can be off-putting in a character. Mr. Mullen has to
vary a performance that is written at the edge of control. Casandera M.J.
Lollar plays Sister Rita, a role with a much greater range of emotions.
Sister Rita’s shortcoming is that she was raised in a convent and doesn’t
understand men’s emotions. Father Rivard is a mystery to her, although
not to the audience. Ms. Lollar brings Sister Rita life, a young woman ahead
of her time.
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Heather E. Cunningham plays housekeeper Mrs.
Shandig. Mrs. Shandig is a convert to Catholicism who runs the Rectory
and Convent. As innocent as Sister Rita is, she is well aware of men’s
more base natures. She tries to protect both Sister Rita and Father
Rivard from their emotions. Ms. Cunningham is excellent – as are the
other supporting players.
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The quality of this production is excellent (Set
Deisgners Jack & Rebecca Cunningham, Lighting Designer Jacqueline Reid),
and makes great use of the Arclight space. Peter Zinn handles the
Direction ably, in this tightly strung drama. The one issue with The
Runner Stumbles is the play starts at a high level of angst, and
stays there throughout the show. The show in general, and the character
of Father Rivard in particular, would benefit from a variation in tone.
All the characters are able to sustain the level of dread, but the audience
could do with more variety. Luckily for all involved, the payoff for the
audience is great,The Runner Stumbles is a very good show.
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The Runner Stumbles at the Arclight Theater
Playwright: Milan Stitt
Director: Peter Zinn
Cast: Christopher Patrick Mullen, Casandera M.J. Lollar, Heather E. Cunningham, Alisha Spielmann, Ric Sechrest, Joseph Mathers, Nat Cassiday, Richard Waddingham, Becky Byers
Website (Retro Productions)
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