|
Regional Reviews: Phoenix Heist Also see Gil's review of The Book of Mormon
The play centers on a group of criminals that Marvin, the leader, brings together for what appears to be a carefully planned heist. When things don't go exactly as planned, alliances shift and motives become increasingly murky. What initially seems like a straightforward job quickly reveals layers of deception, hidden agendas, and long simmering grudges. Each new revelation has the audience guessing, which sets the stage for a series of reversals that keep the story lively. In the program note, Lakra mentioned that, when he was first asked to write a play about a heist, he said no, thinking it would be impossible to depict on stage the intricacies involved in a heist thriller that are more easily shown on film. While Lakra's play ultimately works, the first act occasionally feels unfocused, with a lot of information coming at the audience in fits and starts, but the second act tightens the screws and rewards patience with clever twists, sharper storytelling, and an engaging conclusion. One of the challenges is that the play begins at such a heightened level there is very little downtime. While this relentless pace creates momentum, it also limits variety in the tone, especially in the first act. Also, some of the characters occasionally veer toward the cartoonish with loud portrayals that also never often much variety. The frequent flashbacks in the first act also interrupt the forward motion of the first crime in the plot where the group is heisting a rare jewel, making it harder to fully invest early on with the constant interruptions; I'm not certain why Lakra decided to include these moments, which depict how Marvin met the people he's working with, during the jewel heist instead of grouping them all together at the beginning which would have made the halts in the crime less of an issue. Fortunately, the second act makes much better use of those flashbacks as an effective tool that reveals double crosses and clarifies the true intentions of each individual. A brief post curtain call coda adds an extra fun pop to the plot. The six-member cast handles the material with charisma, confidence, and non-stop energy. As Marvin, the group's leader and narrator of the play, Matthew Floyd Miller offers a distinct presence. The ensemble chemistry amongst the cast is strong, even if their characters are slightly stereotypical at times. Jessica Fishenfeld, Ethan Henry, Brandon Ruiter, and Jynx Zavala play the members of Marvin's gang and each clearly defines their character's status and motivation within the group while navigating the rapid dialogue and shifting loyalties with precision. As the Spider, Valerie Perri manages to depict a cocky, forceful presence, even if her accent borders on the cartoonish. Matt August's direction keeps the story moving at a brisk clip, embracing the play's cinematic sensibility. As secrets are revealed, the actors skillfully adjust their performances, allowing the audience to see new layers beneath the shifting alliances. The projections by Sven Ortel are used effectively to establish time and place, helping orient the audience during the frequent shifts in perspective, which are helped by the bright and changing scenic design by James Noone and Mike Billings' effective lighting. The costumes by Kish Finnegan quickly establish the individualities of each character. Daniel Perelstein Jaquette's sound design and original music are fantastic. The smart direction and ensured creative elements enhance the clarity of the play without overwhelming the action. While Heist may stumble somewhat in its first act, the second act pulls everything together with confidence and clarity. By the final moments, the tangled web of schemes and betrayals has been neatly unraveled, delivering a smart, energetic thriller that ultimately sticks the landing. Arizona Theatre Company Theatre's Heist runs through January 25, 2026, at the Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Mesa AZ. For tickets and information, please visit www.arizonatheatre.org or call 833-2827328. Written by Arun Lakra Cast: (in alphabetical order) *Member of Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States |
