Although The Monster-Builder is at times captivating, I’m still a bit flummoxed by its construction. It’s mostly a comedy that interlaces cogent comments about post-modern architecture. However, it awkwardly mixes its moods, alternatively presenting satire, farce and sex-capades with observations on building design, but without creating an integrated theatrical experience.

We all can recognize post-modern architecture by our strong reaction to it. Sometimes we are in awe of the creativity and experimentation shown in a startlingly gorgeous building. Other times, we wonder what the architect and client could have been thinking when we notice an odd-shaped building that doesn’t fit its location or purpose. Playwright Amy Freed (Freedomland- 1998 Pulitzer Prize nomination, The Beard of Avon; Still Warm; Restoration Comedy, You, Nero), the daughter of an architect, seems to only express the negative aspects of modern architecture.

Rita (Tracy Hazas*) is seduced by the prospect of being a starchitect in Aurora Theatre Company’s The Monster-Builder
Rita (Tracy Hazas*) is seduced by the prospect of being a starchitect in Aurora Theatre Company’s The Monster-Builder

As the play continues,1 it hurdles inexorably to farce. Rita falls under the soulless Monster-Builder’s mysterious spell. It falls to her husband Dieter to hand-hold their rich eccentric clients, Pamela (Nancy Carlin) and husband Andy (Rod Knapp), who add a touch of genuine humor and realistic commentary to the proceedings. Ultimately, the roots of Gregor’s life-force are unearthed, and all modern architecture from the Bauhaus to the present is damned as devilry.

Danny Scheie, a gifted comic and perennial Bay Area favorite (Cal Shakes’ Comedy of Errors and Restoration Comedy, also by Amy Freed), is fascinating as Gregor, but seems confined, in voice and action, by Aurora’s small stage. Talented Tracy Hazas gives a strong performance as Rita, whereas Thomas Gorrebeeck’s second act as Dieter is more vibrant than his first. Favorites Nancy Carlin (Hysteria, Benefactors) and Rod Knapp (The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity) charm the audience as Pam and Andy. Sierra Jolene is a smash as Tamsin, channeling a combination of Marilyn Monroe and Judy Holiday.

The Monster-Builder premiered in Portland last year, where it was also directed by Art Manke. On the surface, it’s an amusement, but clearly the author is also trying to express significant ideas, that unfortunately may be dimmed by the Sturm und Drang of the farce.

A maniacal scheme of fantastical proportions lurks deep inside mega-architect Gregor Zubrowski’s post-modern steel and glass structures. His commanding celebrity and curious creative process titillates both design professionals and patrons alike. It is only after he cruelly steals a career-making project that two fledgling architects finally dare to challenge this monster-builder at his own game. Expect the unexpected from this absurdly funny, viciously smart new comedy by nationally renowned Pulitzer Prize finalist Amy Freed, whose work has been seen locally at Berkeley Rep, Cal Shakes and A.C.T.