Play explores ageless hedonist

April 17, 2008

Pentacle Theatre director Randy Bowser is known for really big shows, such as "Hair" and "Metropolis," and his latest musical is both big and long in coming.

"Dorian: The Remarkable Mr. Gray," which opens Friday, is a show he's been writing for 25 years.

Based on Oscar Wilde's "The Picture of Dorian Gray," this is a gothic horror story told with a variety of musical styles, an abstract visual look and the wit of Wilde.

The story, which has inspired both movies (the latest is an all-gay story) and plays, is the story of a young hedonist who gets his wish: That only his portrait will age, showing the toll of his debauchery.

Dorian stays young for decades until a fateful turn of events.

"The visual style is abstract, but the musical style is impressionist," said Bowser, who wrote the libretto, music and lyrics and even recorded the electronic score.

"The musical style is intended to be impressionistic."

He called the costuming "mammoth."

Only two actors, Jason Bailey as Dorian and Sheree Ross, who plays both Sibyl Vane and Lily, change costumes. The rest of the cast of 16 wear basic gray outfits, with costume pieces added to suggest different characters and situations.

"It's a great concept, but it turned out to be more than expected," Bowser said.

Video projections and six versions of the painting, showing its progressive decay, are part of the elaborate production, which features a set by Tony Zandol inspired by the etchings of Gustave Dore.

"It's serious, but I think it's more fun," Bowser said of his production. "It's more American than the original."

Much of the burden of the show is on Pentacle newcomer Bailey, who is in all but two scenes, playing a man who goes from social ou tcast to the center of the social universe.

"There's a point where he realizes he can reach immortality, and that really drives him," Bailey said of Dorian. "I think of him as flawed; he is definitely not a good guy.

"You do have to like him, and he's got a lot of endearing qualities … and I never age."

Bowser said Dorian was more of a blank canvas in the Wilde original.

"The story becomes him trying to live without a conscience, which is impossible," Bowser said.

Bailey called the music by far the hardest he has ever tackled, because of the range and different styles.

Bowser, who originally aimed at a rock opera, instead included touches of late 19th century romantic music and operatic styles, including sung dialogue.

R oss is another major player, cast as both Sibyl Vane, a pure and innocent girl, and Lily, a mysterious prostitute.

"I love it," she said. "It's fun; It's a great challenge to play.

"Of all the shows I've done, Sondheim shows, Gilbert & Sullivan and opera, this is the most difficult."

Another key character is Lord Henry, played by Ken Hermens, a nonsinger who sticks to patter-type songs.

"He's kind of a Dorian mentor, ushering him into a world of hedonism," Hermens said of Henry. "He's just out for experiences, and the more experiences the better.

"He's the devil, Mephistopheles."

Another key actor is Jim Steele as the painter Basil Hallward, who paints the infamous portrait.

Steele described Basil as an introverted man who puts his passion into his work and happens to be the catalyst for Dorian making his faithful wish that only his portrait should age.

The production also features plenty of dancing, choreographed by Sheila Sund. The costuming is by Jo Dodge.

"Dorian" should appeal to fans of such dramatic but tuneful shows as "The Phantom of The Opera" and "Jekyll & Hyde," Bowser said.

"I predict that most people will be excited by it," he said.

One person he hopes will be impressed is Michael Butler, producer of the original production of "Hair."

He attended Bowser's 2000 opening of "Hair," and will be here opening night to see "Dorian."

"He has a professional interest," Bowser said.

The cast includes Jeff Baer as James Vane.

Ensemble members are Kevin Hamler-Dupras, Emily Loberg, Katie McLean, James Owens, Ray Phipps, Ronnica Rabold, Bryan Setzer, Jamie Siqueiros, Jessie Stanley, Sheila Sund and Neil Vannice.

rcowan@StatesmanJournal.com or (503) 399-6728