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Regional Reviews: Phoenix Babalon Also see Gil's reviews of Sutton Foster in Concert and Done to Death
Babalon delves into the mysterious life of Jack Parsons, a pioneering rocket scientist who had top secret security clearance but was also a devoted follower of Aleister Crowley, a British occultist who founded the religion of Thelema and a self-proclaimed devil worshiper. Set in the 1940s, the plot explores Parsons' dual existence: by day, he advances rocket science; by night, he immerses himself in occult rituals, aiming to invoke the goddess Babalon and usher in a new era. The play introduces key figures such as the mysterious artist Marjorie Cameron and the controversial L. Ron Hubbard, highlighting their complex relationships and shared mystical pursuits. Green's play offers a poetic and haunting exploration of ambition, spirituality, and the relationship between science and the supernatural. It also paints a clear portrait of how an enigmatic and charismatic individual like Parsons could entice devotees to follow him in his religious cult. The dialogue is rich and evocative, capturing the fervor and complexity of its characters. However, while at times Green conjures up vivid storytelling, and the characters of Parsons and Crowley are clearly depicted in all their eccentric and wackadoo nature, there isn't much backstory, with some characters being introduced in such a way that doesn't allow the audience to be sure at first who they are; the fact that Parsons is sometimes called Jack and sometimes called John doesn't help to understand in the beginning of the piece whom a character is referring to. Also, some plot points are skirted over. If you arrive early, check out the slideshow over the stage that gives short bios on each of the actual characters as a quick tutorial which will fill in some of the missing bits in the play. Babalon was originally written as a radio play but was performed by Travesty Theatre at the Gielgud Studio in London in 2005 after the BBC pulled funding. The structure of the piece reflects that radio play format, with over 40 scenes, some of them relatively short, and characters who show up with minimal introduction. Director BJ Garrett does a wonderful job of keeping the pace brisk and, with Ashley Naftule's archival projections and rich sound design and Keath Hall's lighting, quickly clarifies where each scene is set. Shelly Trujillo's costumes, hair, and make-up also help, especially for the actors who play more than one role. The cast is great and under Garrett's direction have created realistic, three-dimensional individuals. Angel Lopez is superb as Parsons, the visionary torn between two worlds–his scientific breakthroughs and his obsession with the occult. Lopez's rich portrayal allows us to get a clear understanding of Parson's fervent belief in magick and that he can conjure up Babalon, the Scarlet Woman. His charismatic depiction clearly shows how Parsons got people to follow in his beliefs. Cody Goulder is equally good as Aleister Crowley, the legendary occultist who, even though he and Parsons never actually met, looms over the play as both a mentor and a distant, disappointed figure, observing Parsons' radical rituals with a mix of admiration and skepticism. Matt Clarke is great as L. Ron Hubbard. His performance is infused with charm and cunning, and we see how Hubbard emerges as a manipulative figure who ingratiates himself into Parsons' inner circle, only to betray him in a way that accelerates his downfall. Melody Knudson is good as both Parson's steadfast wife Helen, who struggles in her relationship with him as Jack's devotion to the occult grows, and also as Crowley's benefactor. Clara Bentz is both alluring and unsettling as she paints a clear picture of Marjorie Cameron, the passionate artist who becomes Parsons' muse and the embodiment of Babalon, the catalyst for his ultimate transformation. Madeleine Miller and Ken Bailes round out the cast in several supporting roles. While not entirely perfect, Babalon is a thought-provoking work that intertwines historical events with speculative drama. With crisp direction and a fantastic cast who deliver vivid portrayals, Space 55 and Ronin Theatre Company's American premiere co-production offers an intriguing look into ambition, spirituality, and the thin line between genius and madness. Babalon, a Space 55 and Ronin Theatre Company production, runs through February 2, 2025, at the Irish Cultural Center, 1106 N Central Ave, Phoenix, and February 7-16 at Stage Left Productions, 5930 W Greenway Rd Ste 1a, Glendale AZ. For tickets and information, please visit www.ronintheatre.com or www.stageleftaz.com/specialevents. Director: BJ Garrett Cast: |
