IN THE NEXT ROOM OR THE VIBRATOR PLAY leaves you begging for more

SALT LAKE CITY – IN THE NEXT ROOM or the vibrator play presented by The University of Utah’s Department of Theatre is a hilariously gratifying and inspirational polished production.

IN THE NEXT ROOM or the vibrator play examines a time in the late nineteenth century at the dawn of the age of electricity, shortly after Thomas Edison invented the light bulb. By this time, electrical vibrators had been invented for the purpose of treating hysteria. Dr. Givings (Matthew Windham) is a doctor who administers this massage treatment to patients, with the help of his assistant, Annie (Jasmin Peterson). Meanwhile, Dr. Giving’s struggles in his marriage with his wife, Catherine (Haeleigh Royall), who has recently given birth, but is unable to provide the baby with nourishment from her breast milk. To remedy this issue, the couple allows Elizabeth (Kathryn Mungin), a mid-wife into their home to nurse the baby. With the accompaniment of Dr. Giving’s patients, Sabrina Daldry (Stewart Fullerton), and Leo (Mike T. Brown), the play explores themes of feminism, sexuality, and marriage.

Most of the aspects of the production came together seamlessly. For a large part, the acting was quite impressive, with the standouts being the two leads, Mr. and Mrs. Givings. Royall was especially skilled in her comedic timing, as the character constantly talks too much and ends up with her foot in her mouth. Royall is also quite expressive in her acting and facial expressions, making her able to nicely contrast the humor she brings, as well as the intense pain she feels because of her inadequate marriage and feelings of failure as a mother. It is wonderful watching the journey Royall takes as she searches for whom she is and what she wants as the play progresses.

Royall and Windham have an excellent chemistry between each other and are very believable as husband and wife, even if their relationship may seem fairly dysfunctional in our modern views. This chemistry is exemplified not by how much the characters connect, but by how little they seem to understand each other in their communication. Dr. Givings in particular is quite dense, and although he treats many women, fails to understand them. He treats Catherine as a doll, and is blind to her depression and loneliness. Windham expresses this personality brilliantly, causing a believable relationship that the audience can become truly invested in. He is also able to find great depth as he begins to experience jealousy and unhappiness in his marriage. Windham’s other great moments include when he shares comedic stories as he is administering treatment, adding much amusement.

My only complaint with the acting was with Fullerton as Mrs. Daldry.  Although I still enjoyed her performance, I was not nearly as invested in her character as she was not fully believable. I often wondered what Fullerton’s motivations were, and if she was actually affected by Dr. Giving’s treatment. She also seemed to rush through her lines, speaking quite quickly. I believe this may have been a character choice to exemplify the hysteria, although is still proved to be a distraction.

The intricate scenic design by Thomas George was very impressive with a definite professional quality. The many details within all of the rooms of the house captured the setting of the story without question and provided a great picture for the audience and background for the story. Mariah Colbert’s lighting design was also very effective in complimenting the scenes and providing the mood. I enjoyed the contrast in the harshness of the light between the living room of the house and the operating theatre, where Dr. Givings treats his patients. Sound design (Adam Harris) and costume design (Costume Design 1) were both beautifully designed as well and complemented and enhanced the production perfectly.

Scene transitions were disappointing. There were two very long scene changes that felt like the audience was sitting in the dark for minutes. This allowed time to wonder what was going on, and took me out of the action and world of the play. Although it was fairly easy to become yet again involved a few minutes into the new scene, I was disappointed that I was distracted and briefly lost interest in such an enjoyable story. Other than this setback, the direction by Hanna Cheek was exceedingly well-done.

IN THE NEXT ROOM or the vibrator play was a very impressive production, and the U Department of Theatre deserves much praise. Though very comical, this production is much more than an inappropriate comedy. The play is a wonderful commentary on feminism, female sexuality, and gender roles among other themes, making the show a thoughtful and profound experience. In light of the adult themes, IN THE NEXT ROOM or the vibrator play is for mature audiences only.