THE RUNNER STUMBLES
The Runner Stumbles
Wolf Entertainment Guide
William Wolf
Nov. 5, 2007
The Actors Company Theatre (TACT) digs back into play history to revive ?The Runner Stumbles,? a drama by Milan Stitt that was done on Broadway in 1976 and also became a film. Did a priest in Michigan kill a young nun in the early part of the 20th century? In this production ably directed by Scott Alan Evans, the mystery based on a real case is developed compellingly.
Mark L. Montgomery gives a profound performance as Father Rivard, depicted as cauldron of idealism and sexual repression, a devout priest trying to square his urges and doubts with his commitment. Temptation comes in the former of Sister Rita, superbly portrayed by Ashley West. She is infatuated with Rivard and undergoing uneasiness about her calling. The situation intensifies when circumstances dictate that she must live under the same roof as the priest.
Father Rivard is jailed for murder, and the pieces are put together as the story switches back and forth in time. There are ultra tense scenes between him and the nun. Among other cast members are Cynthia Darlow as Mrs. Shandig the stern, judgmental housekeeper, James Murtaugh as Monsignor Nicholson, as well as Christopher Halladay, Julie Jesneck, Chris Hietkko, Christina Bennett Lind and Jamie Bennett in other roles.
The play begins rather quietly and builds steadily. Most interesting are the issues raised about celibacy and the constraints that run so counter to human needs and emotions. The situation depicted reveals how persons who yearn to believe are torn apart as a result of inhuman, unnatural demands made upon them. The conflicts continue and remain paramount today, which gives ?The Runner Stumbles? special interest. Note that in the play the sexual concerns are heterosexual, unlike many contemporary headlined church abuses.
TACT is one of my favorite companies, and while its staged readings are impressive, it is gratifying when the company mounts regular runs in its new space on Theatre Row. ?The Runner Stumbles? is an excellent choice. At the Beckett Theatre, 410 West 42nd Street, Phone: 212-279-4200.