A Howling Good Time: Theatre at the Bell's "Lila the Werewolf"

Honesty is the best policy in relationships - even when the other is a werewolf.

Theatre at the Bell presents “Lila the Werewolf,” a play adapted by Jeff Clark based on Peter S. Beagle’s short story. Farrell doesn’t feel that he and Lila are a good fit. Before he ends things, Farrell finds out that she is a werewolf. That puts Farrell in a complicated dilemma: Do they stay together, or break up?

You don’t see enough plays like “Lila the Werewolf.” It’s an unusual premise that sparks your interest the more you think about it. Theatre at the Bell’s production is a creative, funny, and unique showcase. Through the creative power of theater, “Lila the Werewolf” sparks a moral about being honest in relationships.

Five talented actors share the stage in Theatre at the Bell’s production. Their chemistry is what elevates the performance. They all enjoyed working together, being funny, and letting loose in the show’s eccentric atmosphere. Most importantly, their passion for theater is radiant.

Dressed in werewolf attire and a wolf mask, Meg Schena prowls the stage as Lila. She does a fabulous job with her wolf abilities. I will never forget the audience reaction to Schena’s first wolf appearance. Schena brings warmth to a conflicted character, who is still trying to understand herself.

Farrell is a cynical and pessimistic man. Eric Dauenhauer makes this character amusing with his animated countenance and a lively performance. Several of his deliveries made audiences crack up. He said he tracked in his inner Jim Carrey for the role. Beneath those layers, Farrell is conflicted and loyal, trying to do what’s right.

Ashley Olsen plays Ben, the show’s narrator and Farrell’s friend. Ben offers insights on the events and is supportive. Olsen has excellent delivery of monologues.

Farrell has two conflicts to deal with: a werewolf and his girlfriend’s opinionated mother, Mrs. Braun, who constantly phones to ask questions. Beth Enos does a fantastic job. Though arrogant, Mrs. Braun instinctively steps in to help the situation.

Sean Westgate always wins the stage clown award in every show he is in. He plays the building superintendent. From the moment he entered, Westgate kept audiences laughing. He adds several funny gimmicks to the character.

No show ever goes on without a technical crew. The Theatre at the Bell stage is always transformed into a new setting for each show. A bed, tables, and phones are used throughout the production. Visual images by Ken Lawrence reflect Farrell’s apartment, the cityscape, and Lila’s transformations. It invites audiences into this world.

Director Jeff Clark admires Peter S. Beagle's works, which led him to adapt his own stage version of the show. The play has undergone many rewrites and collaborations. His direction is fun, wild, and earnest. He worked well with the cast, especially in the comical moments.

“I was immediately drawn to (“Lila the Werewolf’s”) quiet intimacy, its humanity, and its aching sense of connection,” Clark said.

Theater sparks all sorts of unique stories. The part that I like most about theater is how it invents new ways to talk about relatable subjects. Relationships are a whirlwind topic. It’s important to be honest about feelings. Not all relationships work out, and that’s okay.

Take caution, as “Lila the Werewolf” has mature content about intimacy and has violent imagery. It’s recommended for 16+ audiences.

Audiences had a great time seeing the show. I could feel the excitement when entering the theater. It was a needed night out to have a laugh. There’s one more show on Saturday, Feb. 21, at 7:30 p.m. It’s approximately 60 minutes.