“ANGEL STREET” is on stage at the Westminster Community Playhouse through Sunday.

By Thom deMartino
Orange County Tribune

Sometimes you’ve got to wonder: is it all in your own head – or are they *trying* to make you crazy?

Now playing at the Westminster Community Playhouse is the thriller “Angel Street”, directed by Yvonne Robertson. Written by Patrick Hamilton, the Victorian England period tale introduces the viewer to Bella Manningham (Mikayla Acevedo) and her husband Jack (Jason Cook), living happily in their upscale home… or are they?

While Jack on the surface seems a charming fellow, it’s not long before he’s condescending to Bella—it seems he can’t help himself but criticize his confused and troubled wife, as his affection for her seems to run from breezy to downright frigid at a moment’s notice. He also is blatantly flirtatious with the couple’s maid Nancy (Amanda Da Silva), right in front of Bella’s face.

Her husband teases her with an offer to take her to the theater… only to quickly rescind when she displeases him. He even makes her question the reality around her – where has she put a missing picture from the wall, where has she hidden other items, just to spite him? Unable to answer, the poor woman is beside herself. It’s a callous, deliberate effort by Jack.

When he leaves for the evening – going off to who knows where, with no explanation to Bella – she receives a surprise visitor, the kindly and gentlemanly Detective Inspector Rough (Michael Corcoran). Following up on a 15-year-old cold case that has haunted him for years, he’s come to the home with a theory about the crime… one that tangentially may involve the hapless Bella herself.

There’s definitely something suspicious going on with her husband, something she can’t quite put her finger on – but is mere untruth, or is there something even more sinister in his deception?

“Angel Street’ originates from an earlier iteration, the 1938 play “Gas Light”: which is in turn the origin of the term “gaslight” – that is, to make someone doubt themselves and their sanity. Jason Cook’s Jack is a master manipulator, with an outwardly suave demeanor but a streak of terrible cruelty when it comes to his treatment of Bella. It’s an excellent (if vexing) performance that may even remind some viewers of the “trolls” they themselves may have experienced in their lives.

Marvelous performances by the supporting players too, including Maria O’Connor as Elizabeth, the one kindly member of the house staff who gives support to Bella; Da Silva’s Nancy charms with her subtle flirtation with Jack and side-eye to the lady of the house; and Corcoran’s Det. Ins. Rough is a genteel and paternal figure, a welcome outside perspective to bring Bella support and strength.

Which brings us to the heart and soul of the show, Acevedo as the beleaguered Bella. It’s a heartbreaking performance, as you see her heartfelt desire to make her husband happy, constantly rebuffed by Jack. Her confusion and desperation is moving – the character could perhaps even be seen as a study of anxiety and depression, and how one can falter without the proper support network… support she longs for, but will never find in her husband.

A splendid thriller, “Angel Street” is masterful work by the Westminster Community Playhouse players, and definitely one for theatergoers to experience before the curtain falls on this excellent show.

“Angel Street”, Mikayla Acevedo, Jason Cook and Michael Corcoran star in this tale of manipulation, mystery and deception. Now playing through Sunday, November 23 at the Westminster Community Playhouse, 7272 Maple St, Westminster. Ticketing information available online at http://www.wcpstage.com, or call (714) 893-8626. Appropriate for all ages.