Review: ‘Twisted’ at Theatre West
- Dondre Tuck
- Apr 14
- 3 min read
Chris DiGiovanni’s new play “Twisted,” directed by Marc Antonio Pritchett at Theatre West, is a contemporary drama set in the suburbs of Philadelphia that centers on Scilla Claroe (Crystal Yvonne Jackson), a struggling writer preparing to document the story of Renton Downey (Monty Renfrow), a man on death row for a mass shooting.
As Scilla interviews Renton, she begins to uncover a disturbing connection between him and her son, Jason Abernathy (Isaiah Frazilus), a college student. What starts as research quickly turns personal, forcing Scilla to confront both Renton and her son to understand the truth.
The performances are strong across the board, with each actor bringing a distinct presence to the stage. Renfrow stands out with a layered portrayal of Renton, balancing an unsettling calmness with moments that almost invite sympathy. His performance walks a fine line and manages to humanize a character who is difficult to fully understand.
Frazilus carries much of the emotional weight as Jason, delivering a grounded performance that never feels forced. His ability to stay present and engaged, even in silence, adds depth to his scenes. And Jackson anchors the piece as Scilla, offering a steady and believable performance. Her dynamic with Frazilus feels natural and lived in, which strengthens the emotional stakes of the story.
Pritchett’s direction keeps the narrative clear and focused, especially as the story moves between present moments and flashbacks. The transitions are handled smoothly, allowing the audience to follow along without confusion. Despite being dialogue heavy, the pacing remains consistent and engaging, and the show never feels as long as its runtime. Subtle use of audio effects adds texture without overwhelming the scenes.
Set design by Audrey Szot is simple but effective, dividing the stage into two distinct spaces that reflect the characters’ environments. A central bench on which Jason and Renton play chess serves as a neutral space, reinforcing the idea of strategy and control that runs throughout the play. The contrast between the clean, minimal space and the more cluttered one of Jason’s apartment helps visually establish character differences.
Costumes by Michael Mullen further support this, with each character’s wardrobe reflecting their identity and circumstances. Lighting by G. Kluger and D. Moore enhances key moments, particularly the use of red during a shooting sequence, which stands out as one of the more striking visual choices.
At its core, “Twisted” explores the power of narrative and who gets to control it. Each character attempts to shape their own story, raising questions about identity and whether it is self-defined or constructed through perception. The play leaves you thinking about how stories are told and who benefits from telling them.
The audience remained engaged throughout a recent performance, and the play holds attention with its steady tension and character-driven focus. It is a thoughtful and compelling new work that is worth seeing. It feels both timely and reflective, lingering after the final scene.
“Twisted” continues through May 3 at Theatre West, 3333 Cahuenga Blvd. West, Los Angeles, with shows Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. For tickets and information, call 323-851-4839 or visit TheatreWest.org.
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