By Alayna Een
As spooky season draws its dying breaths, The Adventures of Simon Bilius Conrad, Demon Negotiator keeps its audiences spellbound in their seats in the Angelus Theatre in Spanish Fork, Utah. This original play by John Cobb of Cobb&Co. combines unapologetically poetic narration with compelling live performances for a unique and memorable theatrical experience. The play is split into three parts, called books, that share separate but interrelated stories from the adventures of the titular character as he solves mysteries and communicates with the demons of the day. Each book is narrated by a different cast member, and each narrator lends a fantastic flavor and intensity to the individual tales. In Book 1, Michael Mehner’s full and varied narration introduces us to a quiet English town and the strange world of Simon Bilius Conrad. Hannah Hacking and Taylor Hyde tag-team the narration in a way that is both compelling and clever as they guide us through the surprising twists in Book 2. In Book 3, Jade Higley zests his narrative with humor and ends the play with a dark finality.
Christian Hansen plays Simon Bilius Conrad, a demon negotiator who is one part Sherlock Holmes dressed in his own Study in Scarlet and the other part Newt Scamander tending to his beherit beasts. He is occasionally badgered and always aided in his cases by the persistent Silvia Bates (Sami Nordin), his new apprentice of the occult. Their quippy banter fills and enlivens the dialog, which Sami Nordin and Hansen expertly play to full comedic advantage, and their characters have pleasing and entertaining arcs over the three books of the play. Matthew (Jade Higley) and Mrs. Farnsworth (Louise Johnson) are the two other characters who carry over. Jade Higley plays Conrad’s kind manservant, whose dedication rivals that of Alfred from Batman. Louise Johnson is delightful as the resourceful businesswoman and fawning widow with her eyes on the elusive (and oblivious) Conrad.
The talented ensemble trapses through the books in different drapes and guises, ranging from homely and hodge-podge beherit to black ethereal wraith to dolled-up Princess Peach. Erin Cobb’s costume design shines in every iteration of demon and townsperson. Taylor Hyde is a hilarious simpleton as the stagehand and an imperious brooding gentleman. Hannah Hacking is passionate and expressive in her roles as Raven and Mary. John Cobb pulls double duty as the playwright and as George, the harried and heroic fiancé. Tiffany Ellis plays the classy, concerned fiancée who turns brave and spunky at the end of her story, and Ellis confidently and convincingly carries the range of the character. Demons (Ellis, Mehner, and Hyde) create an otherworldly atmosphere that is enhanced and highlighted (literally) by Nathan Nordin’s lighting and Ryan Tolman’s original and ethereal sound design (with the assistance of technicians Jenny Mattice, light, and Stanley Johnson, sound).
The incredible crew, led by Ruthie Cobb Higley (stage manager, set design) and Justin Stockett (director), include Vienna LaRose (Hair and makeup) and Gabi Pack (props). This tight-knit group was professional and competent but, more importantly, kind and genuine. Any company can produce a play, but it takes a special group to craft an experience and create a community—and that’s what Cobb&Co. excels at.
Opening night started with the special treat of Hannah Maurine Benge performing original songs from her forthcoming album as a show opener. She was a siren, sweetly strumming an acoustic guitar and setting a lovely, haunting mood beneath the painted constellations of the Angelus’s ceiling—a simple, intimate setting. And then the show began. It’s hard to know exactly what to expect with original productions—which is, for me, part of the draw—and while it took some time for me to adjust my expectations as an audience member and really lean into the story, the three-book format of the play facilitated this transition. I was surprised by how well it worked because I haven’t seen the format in other productions, but the cast and crew, and John Cobb’s careful writing, carried it off well. Early teens and up will certainly enjoy the show, and audience members should be aware of flashing lights and other strong visual effects. The play has more of mystery than horror and lends itself to a pleasant, contemplative evening. The subtle layers of mystery in the individual stories and within each character contribute to the theme that nothing is ever quite what it seems—it can be darker, deeper, or, more hopeful. Spend an enchanting evening with The Adventures of Simon Bilius Conrad, Demon Negotiator in Spanish Fork, Utah!
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An original play by John Cobb
The Angelus Theatre, 165 N Main St, Spanish Fork, UT, 84660
November 5–20, 7:30 PM; 13 and 20 1:00 PM matinee (Hannah Maurine Benge preshow on November 12 and 20)
Tickets: $13 evening performances, $11 matinee performances
Cobb&Co. Theater Facebook Page
The Adventures of Simon Bilius Conrad Facebook Event
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