THE ARSONISTS – Skylight Theatre
Reviewed by Amalisha HuEck
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
An exciting production has caught fire at the Skylight Theatre – outstanding characterizations by the whole ensemble with seamless directing that keeps the audience cheerfully uncomfortable, believing that they might guess what will happen.
Written in 1958 as a result of World War II, Max Frisch’s classic, The Arsonists, still echoes into our present. The play is funny and chilling at the same time, clearly exposing familiar human behavior to ignore the obvious at a heavy cost to society as a whole.
Citizens of this town are fearful. The arsonists uniformly are setting homes on fire. Every night is questionable, ‘Is the town going to survive one more night?’ We never think bad things will happen to us – can’t happen here! We try to ignore the problem – and not get involved.
Brian Wallace successfully embodies the character of Gottlieb Biedermann, a wealthy businessman whose good and naive nature is at times hard to watch. His articulate dialogue, yet somehow silly behaviors allow everything to happen.
His beautiful wife Babette Biedermann, gracefully played by Tessa Auberjonois, develops another memorable character; her walk, her expressions, her sincerity, her facial expressions – a masterclass in acting.
And their maid Anna portrayed by an actress and writer Jazelle Villanueva, who is watching and responding with surprise and dread to their decisions and actions. The two arsonists, who are trying to make their way into their house, eventually may rule over everyone. Trevor Jonathan Lown portrays Schmitz and his partner in crime, Eisenberg played by Liam Rhodes.
The rest of the outstanding cast members are Flor de Maria Chahua (Chorus/Mrs. Knechtling), Molly Kirschenbaum (Chorus/Dr. of Philosophy), Seamus Mulcahy (Chorus Leader), Moneer Yaqubi (Chorus/Police), Michael Lorz (Eisenberg/Schmitz Understudy).
Fabolous production of The Arsonists, masterfully written by Max Frisch, a Swiss novelist and playwright whose works focuses on challenges of morality, individuality, and responsibility. Skillfully directed by Luke Harlan, an Emmy-nominated producer, and popular director who often works in theater, television, and feature films. He spent more than a decade in New York developing and directing dozens of world premiere stage productions before turning to the screen, where he produced three seasons of HBO’s The Gilded Age.
There is humor in this play, and a cleverness in the way it has viewers laugh off the seriousness of each moment. Entertaining and affecting – the audience stays engaged.
The Creatives are Stephen Gifford (Scenic Design), Jared Sayeg (Lighting Design), Drew Sensue-Weinstein (Sound Design), Joshua Quinn (Costume Design), Nicole Bernardini (Props Designer), Henry Russell Bergstein (Casting), Andrew Hawkins (Producer), Jeff Marx (Producer).
You will remember all those red lights representing fire, beautiful set design, wonderful costumes, and euphoric lighting that creates a hot and dangerous ambience.
Catch ‘The Arsonists’ for a limited run at the Skylight Theatre, 1816 ½ North Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027, now through September 20, 2026. The performances are Thursday – Saturday at 8 pm, Saturdays at 5 pm and Sundays at 2 pm. Running time is 90 minutes. The play is performed without intermission. Street parking or local pay lots are nearby. The tickets are $45 Adults and $25 for Seniors/Students. You can reserve a ticket at https://www.skylighttheatre.org/the-arsonists
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***This production utilizes theatrical smoke, haze, and flashing strobe lighting effects.