Director Linsee Lewis and me after "The Spiral Staircase."

'Sprial Staircase' Is Theater in the Raw

It has been a while since Linsee Lewis, one of Roanoke's best actors, has found herself in the director's chair, but at this moment, she is halfway through the run of Mel Dinelli's classic 1949 thriller (written in 1933), "The Spiral Staircase" at Attic Productions in Fincastle.

There was about half a house on hand for today's show and Linsee says the crowds have been running steadily well this week and they will return May 19-20 (reservations at 540-473-1001). This is a who-dunnit in which everyone/nobody is suspected and the play ends with a gunshot and a surprising explanation.

This community theatre production has some shortcomings due the size of the production and its very dated nature, but it overcomes many of them. It could use some sound effects for the stormy weather outside. The pace of the production--which tended to stop occasionally--and an occasional dropped line were also problematic. Overall, however, the cast and crew held together on the nicely placed set with good lighting.

Veteran Roanoke Valley actor Owen Merritt was the best of the cast as the professor and Paul Mullins was solid as the Doctor. Carol Royal overcame a shaky start to create a convincing drunk by the middle of the play and Kathy Boyer was believable as the invalid aunt, Mrs. Warren. Kelli Hobson and Kathie Cornelison had some good scenes. The cast was rounded out by Steven Aaron and Michael Johnson.

The star of this one, though, is Linsee Lewis, the young woman who was mesmerizing a couple of years ago in the one-woman show, "The Belle of Amherst" at Star City Playhouse. She deftly handled a difficult assignment with grace. This is theater in the raw, a great way to enjoy it.