2880
(2 votes, average 5.00 out of 5)
Written by Harry Cherkinian
May 5, 2011
It’s been 87 years since Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb murdered 14-year-old Robert “Bobby” Franks, son of a Chicago millionaire, simply for the thrill of it. Their trial, in which they were represented by famed defense attorney Clarence Darrow, was dubbed “the trial of the century.” The case spawned books, plays and films, including “Compulsion,” starring Orson Welles, and “Rope,” directed by Alfred Hitchcock.
And in 2003 it inspired the musical “Thrill Me,” which is making its second appearance in Milwaukee this season. The production company Theatrical Tendencies staged the work at the Milwaukee Gay Arts Center last fall, and it’s currently playing at the Tenth Street Theatre, this time produced by In Tandem.
The relationship between the two bored, wealthy young killers is at the heart of this retelling. Bored with merely setting fires and robbing homes and businesses, Loeb wanted to commit the “the perfect crime” – a murder. In 1924, the duo kidnapped and murdered Franks, who was Loeb’s neighbor and second cousin.
Stephen Dolginoff set all this to music, penning not only the score but also the book and lyrics. His take on the crime makes it clear that the killers were lovers. But theirs was a dysfunctional relationship, characterized by Loeb’s tyrannical dominance over the submissive, adoring Leopold. Loeb was Leopold’s close friend, lover, master, manipulator and, in the end, both captor and prisoner.
It’s no easy feat setting such grisly, twisted material to music. Dolginoff tries and at times succeeds, such as with the creepy, menacing “Roadster” number.
Much of this play rests on the two actors who play the infamous pair, and both succeed in this production. As the insecure, nervous Leopold, Adam Estes displays a touching vulnerability as he vacillates between fear of being caught and obsession for his friend. Joe Fransee maintains a calm yet menacing veneer on the calculating Loeb, showcasing many sides to this complex and terrifying character. Both actors sing well and blend with each other vocally, accompanied by David Bonfiglio on the piano.
Rick A. Rasmussen’s gritty, industrial warehouse setting serves as an effective backdrop for the play. Holly Blomquist’s moody atmospheric shadows and light add to the growing sense of danger.
In the end, we have a better understanding of why Leopold and Loeb committed such a monstrous act. But what is a thrill for one person can be a gruesome experience for others – even set to music.
“Thrill Me: the Leopold & Loeb Story” runs through May 15 at the Tenth Street Theatre, 628 N. 10th St. For more information, call: 414-271-1371 or visit www.intandemtheatre.org.
