RESA FANTASTISKT MYSTISK
nytheatre.com review by Danielle Duvall
August 15, 2002
Color me dry-witted. If you’re looking for a show that makes you simply
laugh out loud for 90 minutes, Burglars of Hamm and The Ghost Road
Company’s current production, Resa Fantastiskt Mystisk, is the
ticket. In a phrase, see it. It’s dry, hysterical and a rather
unconventional festival of dramaturgy—to say the least."Director" (or perhaps not) Todd Merrill explains that he is going to take us on a whirlwind tour of a play written by his favorite playwright, the severely underrated and exponentially Swedish Mr. Lars Mattsun. Merrill is determined to educate and enlighten us all through Mattsun’s deeply symbolic writings, because (according to Merrill) this playwright has never been truly understood or appreciated. Apparently, we all just need a bit of assistance. Merrill leads his skillful ensemble of storytellers (they don’t have a choice), as they transport us to a time of days gone by in Sweden, where we begin our artistic journey.
I don’t want to give any more of this away. See it.
This is a beautifully directed piece of work (the actual director is Matt Almos). Merrill is quick-witted, a deadpan enthusiast and incredibly charming. While the ensemble seems to be rich with talent, co-stars Daniel Stewart, Carolyn Almos and Jon Beauregard indeed stand out, playing several roles riotously. That said, occasionally the pace drops throughout the play and momentum is lost—but for the most part, it is an enjoyable and swift ride.
As Merrill’s demonstration goes from bad to worse, Resa Fantastiskt Mystisk becomes more and more of a sharp and witty romp. You’ll eat it up. And hell, even if you aren’t catching it all, you’ll be glad to know that a very helpful tour guide—our man Merrill; a shepherd of knowledge, if you will—is on hand to gently maneuver you through your experience.
