The story of Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb has been written about and filmed on a few separate occasions, most notably with Alfred Hitchcock's version of PatRick Hamilton's play, Rope (shot in single film reel length takes as an added novelty), and with Meyer Levin's more fictionalized account Compulsion, which was also made into a noteworthy movie. Of course, there were many others that co-opted the ideas present in their terrible tale, but playwright/composer Stephen Dolginoff's Thrill Me: The Leopold and Loeb Story, just may be the most potent, presenting their saga as a "pocket musical" that's harrowing, haunting and disturbing all at the same time.
For those unfamiliar, Leopold and Loeb became infamous for the death of 14 year-old Bobby Franks, a murder committed as a thrill-seeking act of passion. Of course, their foul deed was uncovered, and even the defensive prowess of famed lawyer Clarence Darrow could only prevent them from getting the death sentence they deserved for their unspeakable act. Although, as we discover with Dolginoff's work, there's more to this sordid business than meets the eye. It's actually about unrequited love, and the lengths some people will go to to try and impress or sway the person they're enamored with in order to obtain some sense of security with the them. While, this is obviously an extreme example, it's not unlike the crush you have on a girl/boy in high school and go out of your way to try and impress, but carried to the nth degree.
James Bleecker is superb as Nathan Leopold, who's had his affections toyed with by the bisexual Loeb for many, many years. After he graduates from the University of Chicago, his buddy/lover/tormentor, turns up, having abandoned him for the University of Michigan without warning. But, Leopold has grown accustomed to this behavior. What he doesn't expect is that Loeb's petty crimes that seem to give him so much pleasure are escalating in ways that are terrifying.
Blake Berry Davy is also excellent as the cool and collected Loeb, who's read a little too much Nietzsche for his own good. He identifies himself as one of the philosopher's "Supermen", capably of dastardly behavior without remorse, regret, or any thought of getting nabbed by the policemen he views as sub-standard thinkers. Unwilling to give Leopold the physical love he desires with some thrill involved, he has a contract drafted up whereby certain acts will be reciprocated upon the completion of some criminal mischief. But, the run of the mill robberies and arson displays have caused him to grow bored, and so he takes his plans to new heights, or depths, if you will. What he doesn't count on is how deeply Leopold feels for him, and how a simple "planned" mistake can lead to their eventual incarceration. Both actors are stunningly good, positively shocking in their portrayals, and top notch overall.
TJ Nichol and Brian Beracha contribute vocally as the parole board members who are reviewing Leopold's jail sentence in 1958, some 34 years after the killing takes place. Henry Palkes provides the musical accompaniment on solo piano, and he does an absolutely fabulous job with this sometimes complicated and dissonant score. He's aided in his efforts by the musical direction of Lynn Thompson.
Director Brooke Edwards somehow makes the reprehensible compelling with the performances she pulls from these talented actors and musicians. She's helped by the pulpy, film-noirish set design of Will James Stacey, which conjures up a back alley of Chicago, and makes excellent use of a few key props and crates to give different levels to the action. Cynthia Lorhmann's costumes evoke the era with effortless ease, and the actors seem at home in their clothing.
Max and Louie Productions is presenting a powerful and dramatic retelling of history here, and even though it may seem odd at first to hear these characters break into song, it feels right, and that's what really counts. Thrill Me: The Leopold and Loeb Story is dark and brilliant, and it continues through August 14, 2011 at the Gaslight Theatre.
