Theater Review – October 26, 2025

NEW “GASLIGHT” ADAPTATION STILL SPOOKS IN A SHARP ATC PRODUCTION

“Deceived”
Arizona Theatre Company, Center Stage, Tempe Center for the Arts
Tempe, AZ

By Chris Curcio
Theater Critic

Patrick Hamilton’s 1938 thriller “Gaslight” has a smashing and delightfully spooky new adaptation by Johnna Wright and Patty Jamieson that leaves the play historically based but updates it cleverly for contemporary audiences.  The play adds some laughter at the crafty but predictable plot.  Most significantly, the reworking points to female pride and not getting tumbled by an arrogant husband who tries to turn his wife wacky.

Arizona Theatre Company’s (ATC) sharp production succeeds in giving the often-produced source play new sparkle and dynamic splash in the winningly staged production by director Jenn Thompson and performed by an expert acting quartet who deliver flawless characterizations as plot shifts cause personality swings.  “Deceived” turns out to be a wonderfully spine-tingling adventure that should delight but also startle audiences.

When you enter the theater, Alexander Dodge’s set instills the lushness of 1901 Victorian London with a rich collection of elegant props that further enhance the play’s period setting.  But as stylish as the setting is, the walls are set at a disarming slant and the key plot element of gas lighting fixtures are effectively used to intensify the play’s initially demeaning tone for Bella, the bride husband Jack tries to lampoon.

Even the two household servants, steadfastly mature Elizabeth plus young and opportunistic Nancy, add to the mayhem with twists and turns in the action that constantly make you question your impressions of the story.  It all makes for delectable fun and you are never sure you can guess the ending even if you’ve seen “Gaslight” before.

On top of the smart adaptation, comes ATC’s wonderful production.  Thompson’s splashy staging keeps the play moving briskly through the story shifts.  She uses the fine set and rich props to keep the audience entranced.  Add Patrick Holt’s elegant period costumes and the stage pictures help the evolving plot.

The acting ensemble couldn’t be better.  Laakan McHardy runs brilliantly with Bella at first fearful and second-guessing herself until she becomes a knowing woman who discovers her husband’s deeds.

Amelia White delights as the mature Elizabeth who hates being used.  Sarah-Anne Martinez turns hot as the youthful Nancy, the new household servant.  Both characters develop as we learn about them.  Tony Roach starts as the steadfast and stoic Jack but crumbles amazingly as his motives become clear.

“Deceived” turns the classic “Gaslight” into a terror-filled yet fun examination of how people can be twisted into believing what they are not. A delightful classic rediscovered in a sharp production. “Deceived” continues through November 9 at the Tempe Center for the Arts.  Tickets may be purchased by calling the Arizona Theatre Company box office at 833-ATC-SEAT or order online at www.atc.org.

Grade: A