When a Baedeker travel guide is returned to a Dutch library 113 years late, a library assistant becomes obsessed with discovering the identity and whereabouts of the offender.
Underneath the Lintel, written by Glen Berger, is told entirely from the first-person perspective of the nameless librarian. The stage design of The Alley Theater’s Neuhaus Stage complements the story excellently.
The audience finds itself playing the part of the audience of the librarian’s guest presentation in a college lecture hall. With three sections of seating surrounding the stage, there is not a bad seat in the house, and one truly feels like he or she is attending an authentic university lecture.
The librarian shares his tale through a series of evidences collected throughout his investigation. Piece of evidence No. 1 is the overdue Baedeker travel guide – that was turned in to the overnight slot no less – a frustrating find for the librarian and a curiosity to be sure. But the real mystery begins when, after checking library records for a way to contact the offender and inform him of his substantial fee, the librarian discovers he is listed only as "A."
This sends the librarian on a worldwide quest spanning a Chinese post office box, a London drycleaners, a small Russian village, the United States and even the land down under, with a half-dozen stops in between.
Compiling new evidence at every turn, the librarian slowly begins to piece together the mystery of Mr. A., which he finds both frightening and irresistible. In the meantime, he makes startling revelations about life, death, folklore and divine intervention.
The heart and soul of Underneath the Lintel is the powerful performance of John Tyson as the librarian. As the lone character in the play, which runs for about an hour and a half, he faced a tall order to not only memorize such an extensive monologue, but also to present it in such a way the audience stays captivated for the duration of the performance. Tyson delivers on both counts, and creates an instantly likeable character in the quirky librarian, showing more and more facets of his personality as the show progresses.
Throughout his presentation of evidences, the librarian stops to make several ruminations covering everything from love and war to predestination and legacy. These commentaries extend beyond the confines of the play and make good food for thought in any circumstance.
They also serve to make the librarian a well-rounded character who has real thoughts and opinions on the world around him. He’s not just a means to an end of the story as some fictional characters often are.
If one enjoys a compelling mystery, powerful acting and a well-crafted story, this is definitely a play worth checking out.
Underneath the Lintel runs through April 20. Tickets are available for purchase at www.alleytheatre.org, at The Alley Theatre box office located at 615 Texas Ave., or by calling 713-220-5700.
