Bay Street Theater’s opening Saturday night of Deceived was spellbinding—drama at its best. Written by Johnna Wright and Patty Jamieson and adapted from Gaslight by Patrick Hamilton, it is a fascinating play. It is directed by Sheryl Kaller, a Tony-nominated director whose Broadway credits include Terrence McNallyʼs Mothers and Sons and Geoffrey Naufftsʼ Next Fall. The one-act, ninety-minute play received an enthusiastic, full-house standing ovation. This production successfully draws the audience into a world of suspense, deceit, and intrigue. It runs through July 20 and should not be missed. Once again, Bay Street’s Executive Director Tracy Mitchell and Artistic Director Scott Schwartz—who both introduced the show—have made a brilliant selection for a Mainstage production.
Director Kaller leads a cohesive cast that brings this action-packed show to life. The talented ensemble—Olivia Cygan, Mary Bacon, Sam Gravitte, and Briana Carlson-Goodman—earned their opening-night accolades with zestful performances. Kaller had her actors primed and ready to ignite the stage with riveting energy. Often overlooked, it is the director who unlocks the actors’ talents and helps them perform magic on stage.
In reviewing Deceived, one must start with Olivia Cygan’s portrayal of “Bella.” Ms. Cygan shines under the bright lights, charming and drawing the audience into Bella’s world of trauma and conspiracy. She moves across the stage with eloquence and panache, eliciting both admiration and sympathy for her plight. A recent graduate of the David Geffen School of Drama at Yale, Ms. Cygan’s performance proves her future as an actor is a bright one. She capably leads the cast and captivates a full house from curtain to curtain.
Sam Gravitte plays the complicated role of “Jack,” the malevolent conspirator whose goal is to unravel Bella’s reality. Mr. Gravitte dazzles in this role, prowling the stage like a panther—always watching, always waiting—not to strike physically, but psychologically. His treachery reverberates to the very last seat in the house as he masterfully embodies the villain. Perhaps his commanding stage presence is enhanced by his athletic background from Princeton.
Winning the hearts of the opening-night audience was Mary Bacon in the role of “Elizabeth,” the longtime household domestic. Ms. Bacon is unforgettable in her powerful, understated performance—exuding quiet strength, dignity, and loyalty. The audience seemed to savor every syllable of every line she delivered. Her portrayal was a masterclass in nuance and restraint.
Briana Carlson-Goodman brings humor and levity to the drama in her role as “Nancy,” the younger domestic servant. She infuses the stage with energy, sass, and spirit, offering a contrast that enriches the emotional landscape of the play. Her performance adds a crucial dimension to the story—she’s fantastic as Nancy.
Helping bring Deceived to life are the many talented members of the Bay Street creative team working seamlessly behind the scenes. Shoutouts are deserved for: Jane Shaw (Sound Design and Original Music), Amy Jo Jackson (Dialect Coach), Devario D. Simmons (Costume Design), Reza Behjat (Lighting Design), Matt Armentrout (Hair and Makeup Design), Jason Ardizzone-West (Scenic Design), and Rick Sordelet (Fight & Intimacy Direction). Special thanks also to Executive Assistant Eric Jacobson for his ongoing support behind the scenes.
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