The Filigree Theatre presented the world premiere of The Illusionary Games of Edward Rye, directed by the inimitable Elizabeth V. Newman, and I am petitioning for this show to tour the country.
Exquisitely written by Ashley Griffin, who also played the lead, Claire Fox, this production pierces the philosophical veil with the play’s central question: What is truth? And how do you know it is so—or what is a lie?
Ashley, a bicoastal talent, is an intellectual with a sharp mind and witty tongue. She delivers a performance that’s both emotionally raw and mentally electric.
World-famous psychological illusionist Edward Rye (played by the magnetic Malcolm Stephenson) has made his fortune demonstrating to the world that free will is merely—well—an illusion. With an impeccable English accent (so good I thought he was British), Stephenson plays Rye with just the right balance of charm, menace, and mystery.
But when Edward decides to use Claire, an intelligent but fragile staff member, as the subject of his next “meta experiment,” his world is turned upside down. Claire probes him mercilessly, asking whether he truly helps people or merely manipulates them for his own egotistical ends.
Edward, a man with a God complex, sees people’s weaknesses like reflections in glass. The question is: Does he heal, or does he exploit?
What unfolds is a series of scenes—games, really—that explore trust, control, and surrender. Edward lures Claire into trusting him, convincing her to confront a betrayal from her past: a friend named Freddy (Michael Morse), whose actions caused her deep emotional harm.
Hard to break down the walls of defense she constructed, Claire resists. And yet, little by little, she gives in.
What follows is unexpected and dramatic. The audience, believing it’s following clear clues, is thrown curveballs again and again. You think one thing will happen—and then something entirely different ensues.
The main line for this show ought to be:
All magic comes with a price!
What is the price you’re willing to pay to be entertained?
Derek Byzinski plays Edward’s assistant Tim, who also sports a British accent. Both actors use British English to the delight of this writer—someone who lived in Europe for twenty years and learned the lingo, including the slang, along the way.
Kudos to Patrick Anthony for lighting and scenic design. It’s been years since I witnessed an audience applaud for a set, but make no mistake—the clever use of materials and technical prowess is well worth the show.
Prop design by Liz Tyson, who used her family’s heirloom items—clocks, boxes, a swivel atlas—to enhance the mystical setting. Maddy Lamb (costumes), Johann Solo (sound design), and understudies Laura D’Eramo and Jack Baziuk round out a production team that brought the vision to shimmering life.
For tickets and more information contact: https://tickets.atxtheatre.org/events/the-filigree-theatre-presents-the-world-premiere-of-the-illusionary-games-of-edward-rye-by-ashley-griffin?mc_cid=14b7489849&mc_eid=30debfb3c8
The show runs through May 5, 2025
Photo Credit Elise Krentzel: the Stage Set