Theatre at the Bell Howls "Lila the Werewolf" Onto the Stage

I don’t know how to say this - she’s a werewolf, and I’m a human.

Theatre at the Bell is bringing “Lila the Werewolf,” a short story written by Peter S. Beagle, to the stage this February. Farrell is about to break up with his girlfriend, Lila, only to discover that she is a werewolf. He has to decide whether to leave her or continue a relationship that has lost its moon.

“Lila the Werewolf” is directed by Jeffrey Clark, the theater’s artistic director. Clark said that this story holds a special place in his heart. He likes Beagle’s quirky and fantasy-like style, which inspired Clark to adapt three scripts based on Beagle’s works.

The show’s script was adapted by Clark in 2019 for a high school drama fest competition. Clark felt that it deserved a second life and decided to revisit it with Theatre at the Bell, with a more appropriate age group.

“As Theatre at the Bell is trying to add straight plays to its repertoire, we thought this would be a good short entry,” Clark said.

Auditions were held in December, casting five actors. Most were regular performers from the theater’s four-year run, with one new member joining. Most cast members said they were drawn to the show’s unique nature.

Ashley Olsen (Ben) said the show’s unusual themes were right up her alley. “I knew right away this was going to be a unique opportunity to do the kind of theatre I’ve been wanting to do,” she said.

Meg Schena (Lila) said she auditioned because she likes the characters. As she has been exploring her werewolf side, Schena said she has been studying her character’s complex nature. “(The show) tells such grounded and real feelings in a fantastical story,” Schena said.

Rehearsals have been a fun time. The show is a dark comedy that takes a fantasy-like approach. Clark said he has challenged his actors to be real in absurd moments.

For her role as Mrs. Braun, Rowley resident, Elizabeth Enos, describes her character as ‘annoying and quirky,’ but has been having a grand time. She based her role on real-life or TV mothers who have made her crack up.

One challenge that Clark said they’ve faced is the visuals, particularly in Act II. Visually, the production leans into inventive technical storytelling to support the narrative. With Beagle’s descriptive structure, Clark said they will be using projections to simulate moments where the werewolf is roaming about.

“The trick with this play is treating it as if it's a world of reality,” Clark said. “To delve too deeply into the fantasy, create a piece that is absurd, and it must be acted realistically.”

“Lila the Werewolf’s” primary themes are loss, love, and relationships. Eric Dauenhaur (Farrell) said that the show takes a strange concept and talks about common themes in a unique way.

“I hope it gets audiences thinking about relationships and love, and how that can mean different things to different people,” Enos said. “I think the main message of the play is that we all want to be loved.”

Clark hopes audiences walk away with perspective - and maybe a little relief that they’re the ones looking in on the story’s hectic situation, not a part of it.

“My goal (as the artistic director) is to create a respectful, low-drama environment where everyone’s time is valued and appreciated,” he said. “I believe Theatre at the Bell has largely achieved this.”

“Lila the Werewolf” transforms on the Theatre at the Bell stage Friday, Feb. 6, and Saturday, Feb. 7, at 7:30 p.m. The show is recommended for ages 16+ due to mature content. Tickets are on the website.