Brainy bones

Horrors and thrillers are fitting for this time of year, and a little fright should be part of anyone's agenda if they're adamant about Halloween.

This Friday night marked the world premiere for the psychological thriller "The Peddler's Bones" at the New Phoenix Theatre in downtown Buffalo.

The play, written by Artie-Award-winner Jon Elston and directed by Scott Behrend, portrays the struggle between two sisters who battle for control of their late mother's house.

"The Peddler's Bones" is a psych thriller along the lines of the film "Fight Club." Despite the excellent performances by the cast and the meticulous work of the stage crew, the plot of "The Peddler's Bones" is just a little too cerebral to be manifested on stage.

Much is left to the viewer's imagination that can be misinterpreted or misunderstood. This play leaves questions unanswered. Although the story is fascinating, the narrative would be better conveyed in a book or a film.

The eeriness comes in when a peculiar old man is found living in the attic of the mother's house and the mystery of what's hidden under the kitchen floor is revealed.

The theater's gloomy atmosphere also enhances the creep factor. The New Phoenix Theatre, located on 95 Johnson Park right off of S. Elmwood, perfectly suits the mood of "The Peddler's Bones." The ghostly ambiance of the old-time theater adorned with ornate frills and showpieces makes guests feel like they're inside a "Clue" scenario.

A stage no bigger than a large RV contains intricate details such as a fully functioning kitchen and a realistic bedroom.

The doorway at one end of the stage leads to a sinuous stairway that takes the actors up to an esoterically designed attic, separate from the rest of the stage.

Dire storms are also frequent. The lights go out and the viewer catches glimpses of somebody about to take an axe to their head.

The strikingly talented actors bring "The Peddler's Bones" to life with impeccable performances. The dialogue is rich and natural and the thespians carve out distinct character personalities.

Lisa Vitrano and Katie White are solid leads as the two disputing sisters Vi and Ainsley. Luke Wager, who plays the love interest of the older sister Vi, singes the audience with outstanding dissertations. Neil Garvey and Phil Knoerzer bring the characters as the old man and Henry Bernard to life.

Most of the actors are veterans of the Buffalo performing arts scene. Garvey has been closely associated with "Shakespeare in Delaware Park" for the past 25 years and Knoerzer, who put on a captivating performance as the dim-witted Henry Bernard, worked with Road Less Traveled Productions in "The Country Girl."

Both Vitrano and Wager have been featured in previous Road Less Traveled Productions like "Private Viewing" in which Vitrano won the 2005 Artie Award for best actress.

White made her debut with Road Less Traveled Productions in "The Peddler's Bones" but has been involved in many of Buffalo's professional theaters like the Studio Arena Theatre as Miss Casewell in "The Mousetrap."

More details about the play and listings of show times, including free student admission on Thursday nights, is available at www.roadlesstraveledproductions.org.