History Comes Alive at Marblehead Little Theatre's Compelling Drama 'The Resistible Rise of Arturo UI'

Power can often turn ambition into tyranny - use it with caution.

Marblehead Little Theatre’s The Resistible Rise of Arturo UI is a 1941 historical fiction play by German playwright, Bertolt Brecht. It tells the story of Arturo Ui who seizes control of the vegetable trade in Chicago and neighboring Cicero, Illinois. The feeling of power dominates Arturo’s being, leading to a catastrophic dictatorship.

I was completely engrossed in The Resistible Rise of Arturo UI that my mouth was agape and I didn’t blink. Marblehead Little Theatre’s show is a captivating performance that tackles themes of power, violence, and justice. The play immerses audiences into this dangerous world where power advances beyond control.

A round of applause to Billy Lewand for his tremendous portrayal of Arturo Ui. There’s so much to talk about in his performance. Lewand completely disappears into this challenging role. Lewand’s research and evolution of this complex character define his abilities.

Arturo begins as a low-life gangster, almost foolish and unruly, moving in wary motions. It’s hard to believe this is the same man in the climax. The power Arturo desires transcends him into madness, implementing horrible crimes, murders, and dictatorship.

One of the strengths of this show is the ensemble. The cast is remarkable, adding depth to the story. No part is ever small in theater. Some (if not all) performers had multiple roles and a lot of dialogue to memorize. Each actor nails their role with serious intensity, amplifying the message about power.

Performances to highlight is John Melczer as Clark, a businessman who enables Arturo’s inhuman actions. I giggled at Dogsborough and Young Dogsborough’s (Norman Bendroth and Christopher Vazquez) scenes. Young Dogsborough tries to act authoritative, repeating most of his father’s dialogue. Nora Falk delivers a strong performance as O’Casey.

Marblehead Little Theatre undertakes unique staging direction every time I see a show here. Every corner of the stage is utilized. Actors were spaced out in unconventional spots that absorbed the viewer's attention. Often, you have to turn in your seats to where the action is. That’s okay because every scene has a surprise.

The minimal set design is effective, allowing the focus to remain on the performance. The use of lighting is conducted well, heightening the emotional impact of each scene. I will never forget the audience’s stunned response after Act 1. The lights remained on a character after a violent enactment.

Greg Mancusi-Ungaro deserves praise for his skillful direction in every minute layer of this production. He wanted to emphasize what The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui is about. Fighting for our power is beneficial, but it also shows how power leads to unhealthy conflict. We should be aware...

As the play unfolded, I noticed the parallels between Arturo and Adolf Hitler. It wasn’t until I went home and researched the show that I learned Brecht’s play is a fictional telling of Hitler’s rise to unruly political power. The play’s message becomes all the more unsettling, knowing what this man got away with from manipulating people, using violence, and exploiting fear.

Fair warning, fake firearms are used in this play but are still effective. I jumped at the loud gunshot noises. The audience around me was equally engrossed. Arturo’s takeover of the Cauliflower Trust and the chilling speech the play concludes with an impactful moment that stays with you.

I was transfixed by the excellent performances and subject matter of Marblehead Little Theatre’s The Resistible Rise of Arturo UI right when the play started. Get tickets for its final weekend October 11-13. It’s a must-see drama.