Robert Langdon and the Holy Grail

The Da Vinci Code

Just in time for Easter, Drury Lane Theatre presents the Chicago premiere of Dan Brown’s popular 2003 mystery thriller, of the same name. The novel, which became a very popular film three years later, has been adapted for the stage by playwrights Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel. This tense, two-act drama follows American Symbolist, Robert Langdon, and French police Cryptologist, Sophie Neveu, after Langdon is accused of murdering Jacques Saunière, Sophie’s beloved grandfather and the curator of the Louvre Museum in Paris. As a raft of mysterious clues pile up and an array of pulse-pounding events continue to unfold, what begins as a murder mystery turns into an exciting race against time between the good guys and the bad guys. Before we know it, the audience is cheering this anxious adventure story that could be subtitled, Robert Langdon and his Search for the Holy Grail.  

Directed by Elizabeth Margolius, (Drury Lane’s FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Shattered Globe’s LONDON ROAD), this production is tautly paced. From the very first moments, theatergoers are immediately caught up in this tension-filled nail-biter. The mesmerizing mystery thriller involves such well-known names as Jesus, Mary Magdalene, Leonardo Da Vinci and his famous drawing of the Vitruvian Man, along with three of his most famous paintings, The Mona Lisa, Madonna of the Rocks and The Last Supper. The storyalso importantly utilizes an ancient mathematical pattern of numbers called the Fibonacci Sequence. It also features an old, cylindrical puzzle box called a cryptex, as well as the Knights Templar, the religious sect known as Opus Dei and the Priory of Sion.

As Robert and Sophie flee the authorities, their chase takes them across Paris, and then to Versailles, London and just outside Edinburgh, Scotland. These locale changes are accomplished on stage within Scott Penner’s sparse, but effective Scenic Design and by some detailed and nicely-animated Projections co-Designed by Mike Tutaj and Anthony Churchill. The production is filled with an artsy blend of moody shadow and Light, courtesy of illumination master, Lee Fiskness. And Joshua Schmidt’s Original Music and Sound Design provides a subtle but appropriate tonal background for the story.  

The ten talented members of this ensemble cast, many of whom portray several characters, are all excellent. Bradley Armacost is a particular standout as Langdon’s friend, mentor and Grail specialist, Sir Leigh Teabing; Anthony Irons as Captain Bezu Fache and Leslie Ann Sheppard as Lt. Collet comprise a talented team of Parisian law enforcers who are always on Langdon’s trail; Janice O’Neill is very good as both Sister Sandrine and Marie; Ray Frewen is moving and eloquent as Jacques Saunier; Jennifer Cudahy does a monumental job playing a Bank Guard, Vernet, a  Docent and a Church Volunteer; John Drea is remarkable, as always, portraying both Remy, Teabing’s devoted servant, and Philip, a young Docent at Rosslyn Chapel.   

Silas, the albino monk, is nicely, if a little too solemnly, played by Shane Kenyon. I’d have liked the antagonist to be more quietly menacing at times. And Nicole Boylan’s Costumes, washed in a neutal gray pallet, were perfectly serviceable; however, she might’ve clothed Silas in actual monk’s robes, so that the audience would be reminded of who he was. We’d also be more aware of the ritualistic, self-harm he was doing to himself, if we could’ve seen Silas’ bare leg.

The two leading players, however, are magnificent. Their chemistry is strong and believable; and they make a formidable team, fighting the ever-changing odds that challenge them at every step. Vaneh Assadourian is strong and appealing as Sophie. Despite actually being fluent in Farsi and Armenian, Ms. Assadourian masters a clear, understandable French accent, thanks in part to Dialect Designer, the wonderful Eva Breeneman. And the gifted Jeff Parker is  commanding and often funny as Robert Langdon. His character, while it doesn’t mimic Tom Hanks’ portrayal from the movie, sometimes reminded me a little of Jeff Goldblum. The actor is always fervent and fluent in this role and, along with Vaneh Assadourian, keep this play continually in motion. Recently seen at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre in THE LORD OF THE RINGS: A MUSICAL TALE, and in THE KING’S SPEECH, Mr. Parker also appeared in one of my favorite Northlight productions, MOTHERS AND SONS.

There are puzzles and passwords and then secrets upon secrets in this play. Characters, who appear to be a protagonist, suddenly become the antagonist, and vice versa. This enthralling drama, based upon Dan Brown’s blockbuster novel, provides plenty of suspense, as it questions and challenges centuries of religious beliefs and historical facts. The story is a tense, mystery thriller that will hook audiences from the very beginning and never let up until the final moments. Be aware that, while highly entertaining, this is a drama designed for the thinking theatergoer. And as patrons eventually put together the pieces and solve THE DA VINCI CODE, they’ll enjoy taking this taut journey with Sophie Neveu and Robert Langdon and the Holy Grail.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented April 9-June 1 by Drury Lane, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, IL.

Tickets are available in person at the Drury Lane box office, by calling 630-530-0111 or by going to www.DruryLaneTheatre.com.

Additional information about this and other area shows may be found at www.theatreinchicago.com.