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Regional Reviews: Phoenix Megalodon Also see Gil's reviews of Grumpy Old Men: The Musical, Les Misérables and Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery
The story centers on two individuals whose stories overlap and slightly interconnect. Vogan, the mild-mannered electronics store clerk, suffers a breakup with his girlfriend that sends him spiraling while also seeking solace in photographing strangers as a way to have proof that he exists. Cass, the passionate and obsessed marine biologist, swears to anyone who will listen that she recently had an encounter with a megalodon, a prehistoric giant shark, that killed several of her friends. She believes that the news reports of body parts being found on the beach are proof that her story is true and she tries to warn people that there is something big out there hunting in the bay. But is the predator actually a megalodon, a serial killer on the loose, or are there not body parts being found and these are just two characters who are misremembering moments in their lives in their frantic search to be believed and seen? Herbert's script is particularly effective in how he introduces and establishes the characters while slowly revealing the connections they have with each other. The dialogue feels authentic and naturally funny in spots, which allows the audience to quickly connect with the characters. The play is a series of short scenes which keeps the action moving swiftly along. While it takes its time revealing its mysteries, the pacing pays off with a fairly satisfying, yet still ambiguous, ending that will make you think. Herbert has cleverly used the concept of the extinct megalodon as both a literal subject that is possibly killing people as well as a metaphor for the overwhelming forces that continue to haunt Vogan and Cass's lives. While the prehistoric predator gives the play its title, the true monsters lurking beneath the surface are the characters' anxieties, isolation, memories, disappointments, and the driving need to be heard and seen. The cast is quite good. As Vogan and Cass, Tim Lang and Lily Norton, respectively, offer passionate portrayals of these very different yet also very similar characters who are both striving to be heard and recognized as proof that they exist. Norton's Cass is a driving force while Lang's Vogan is a man who is lost and seeking an outlet to be seen. Their entirely believable performances depict individuals who are confident yet also vulnerable. As Vogan's sister Hannah, who is desperately seeking to find him, Alex Frost offers a refined performance that perfectly depicts a concerned sibling, while Joe Guffey is equally good, with a crisp line delivery and a strong stage presence as Chandler, Cass's brother. Both Hannah and Chandler are trying to help and provide support to their siblings, and Frost and Guffey deliver clear depictions of these concerned family members. As Kim, the woman who breaks up with Vogan, Marcella Grassa's portrayal is distinctive and clear. With great comic timing, Eric Mitchell delivers most of the humor in the play as Shelby, a man Cass meets in the bar of the hotel where she's staying, and Marc White delivers an assured portrayal of Garrett, a man Vogan pays to photograph, who is probably the most well-rounded and secure character in the piece. BJ Garrett's direction carefully maintains the balance between humor and suspense with pacing that steadily builds tension. Marcel Williams' scenic design uses two small movable set pieces and an eerie painted backdrop to effectively establish the play's intimate setting. The lighting by Kody Hernandez is excellent and beautifully creates, with Ashley Naftule's sound design, the feeling of being close to the beach, with the waves in the background, or even underwater. Amy Carpenter's costumes are character specific and her prosthetics are sublime. Together, the direction, cast, and creative elements create an immersive atmosphere that pulls you into the story. Nicholas Walker Herbert has crafted a smart, emotionally satisfying play that is funny, suspenseful, and even unexpectedly moving. Supported by a talented cast and strong creative team, Ronin Theatre Collaborative's production of Megalodon is an interesting and thought-provoking drama that will definitely make you question what you've seen as you try to piece together the events and parse out the truths in the character's memories. Megalodon runs through August 23, 2026, at Ronin Theatre Collaborative, Main Street Creative Arts Center, Mesa AZ. For tickets and information, please visit ronintheatreco.net. Director/Props Designer: BJ Garrett Cast: |
