Rice University VADA's Mauritius packs a powerful punch
The Rice University Department of Visual and Dramatic Arts' latest production, Mauritius, pulls the audience hungrily into the world of stamp collecting and does not let go until the last quietly delivered line. Written by Theresa Rebeck, creator of the TV show 'Smash,' Mauritius centers firmly on the priceless 1- and 2-penny Mauritian stamps, showing the dark side of philately (stamp collecting).Mauritius, guest directed for Rice Theater by Julia Trauber, displays a hotbed of resentment, fury and greed. As the power shifts back and forth, the audience struggles to figure out who will emerge victorious. Beneath this exterior lies a harsh and terrible secret that will not stay buried, no matter how hard the characters try.The casting in this play is spot-on. Hanszen College junior T.C. Weinlandt shines in the role of Sterling with power and intensity that can only be demonstrated in a few roles. Weinlandt's physical dominance coupled with his forceful expressions allow him to convincingly portray a businessman tottering between cunning and brutality.It is McMurtry College freshman Rachel Landsman, however, who truly pulls the audience through this play as Jackie, a young woman who possesses nothing but her own wit and determination. Her true manner is not exposed until well into the play, but when it is, she blows the audience away.McMurtry College sophomore Shivani Morrison serves as her sister Mary, a stark and subtle counter to Landsman. She does justice to her character who, in the hands of another actress, might come off as merely snide and pompous. She conveys a sophisticated pretense of charm that peels away over time. The first interaction between Landsman and Morrison is the spark that really gets this play moving forward. Brown College senior Ben Seidensticker is great as always as Dennis, a smooth-talking palm-greaser. Seidensticker's natural likeability helps soften his otherwise grimy character, a complex man with little backstory. While other characters grow darker throughout the show, Dennis only becomes more palatable. One part curmudgeon, one part has-been and another part genius tradesman, Sid Richardson College senior Adrien Pellerin plays Phillip. This was perhaps the most unusual choice for casting, but it works well because Pellerin has a lot of fun playing the thorny savant. Since his character is the only one with any true knowledge of stamps, the sincerity of his delivery brings some of the funniest yet most powerful lines of the play. Pellerin's performance is enhanced by his commitment to appearing weak, sniveling and haughty, which earn him both sympathy and scorn over the course of the play.The production value for this performance is also top-notch. The stage design is a treat for audiences. There are two fully constructed rooms that slide back and forth, a remarkable feat of engineering. Additionally, good attention is given to both detail and quality in the props and staging in this play, from the multiple stamp collections, to the piles and piles of boxes, and, of course, copious booze. Having so many physical props, while not necessary for every performance, adds a lot to the show. Yet I can only imagine the nightmare coordinating all of those items must be. Likewise, the costumes, especially those worn by Weinlandt and Pellerin, add realism to these characters and provide a window into their inner lives, highlighting precision and class in the former and a certain dumpiness in the latter. The music varies nicely throughout the play. It is somewhat more upbeat than one might expect but conveys some hidden, shifting elements. As the play goes on and the action, betrayals and violence ramp up, it changes to match the play's increasing energy.In conclusion, Mauritius is expertly executed from all angles, and much praise should be given to Traber for managing so many elements well. Do not miss it.