Cabinet of Curiosity Presents THE CABINET Theatre Review – Sounds of Horror

This is The Cabinet, the inaugural performance from Cabinet of Curiosity’s new department, Phonophobia, bringing an adaptation of a classic 1920s horror film to our ears and imagination. In this story, a sleepwalker (somnambulist) is compelled to commit multiple murders by a mad scientist, Dr. Caligari, who controls his patient with hypnosis.

We, like Cesare, whom Dr. Caligari manipulates to do his evil bidding, dangle in a state of confusion that hangs over the entire show. Cesare only tells us what he vaguely knows and understands about his condition. He wanders amongst the muffled voices of the awakened, as he explains it, in a perpetual slumber and nightmare. We are left questioning—Is this reality, or is it a dream state?

We are there as Dr. Caligari’s experiments confirm that someone as vulnerable as Cesare is easily manipulated.. Once Caligari harnesses Cesare’s true power and uses it to his own ends, we’re engulfed in an eerie soundtrack: frightened screams, wavering voices, footsteps on cobblestone, and crows cawing. In this writer’s view, this radio play version of the silent film is gripping. Like this writer, those interested in adaptations of classic pieces will likely thoroughly enjoy listening to The Cabinet. Anyone who enjoys thrilling, eerie psychological horror stories should not hesitate to tune in to Phonophobia’s first production.

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Cast:

Colm Reilly (Cesare)
HB Ward (Dr. Caligari)
David Stobbe (Male Lover)
Lindsey Noel Whiting (Female Love Interest)
Diana Slickman (Mother and other roles)
Samuel Taylor (Ward and other roles)

Creative Team

Directors: Frank Maugeri, Mickle Maher, and Mark Messing
Writer: Mickle Maher
Sound Designer and Composer: Mark Messing

When:

Through May 22nd

Where:

Online

Tickets:

$15+
Access provided for 24 hours after purchase. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit the Cabinet of Curiosity website.

Note: An excerpt of this review appears in Theatre in Chicago.

Images courtesy of Cabinet of Curiosity, of the original production based on the 2005 Red Moon Theater adaptation.