Fever Dreams is a Tumultuous Tale at TheaterWorks

 Fever Dreams is a Tumultuous Tale at TheaterWorks

Written by David Pulvermacher



Mystery, mistrust, and manipulation are manifested at TheaterWork’s latest production of Fever Dreams. Written by co-creator of the popular TV show Lost, Jeffery Lieber, the show follows Adele, Zach, and Miller as they physically, psychologically, and emotionally battle one another. Each of the trio is working towards their personal agenda while proactively shielding their intimate secrets. Who’s side are you on? Between intricate storytelling, strong performances, and breathtaking scenery, Fever Dreams is a risqué love triangle that will have you loving and despising each character.


The audience sneaks in with Zach to his remote cabin in the woods for a rendezvous with his longtime love, Adele. Their time together is vigorously intense, yet too brief for Zach. Wanting more than an occasional fling, Zach pushes Adele to consider leaving her husband of thirty years. What Zach doesn’t expect, though, is Adele’s rigid guard over her personal life. The time they share at the cabin together is one life, and her life beyond the cabin is walled off from him. At least, it was until Adele’s husband, Miller, arrives to the cabin to have a word with the two of them. The question is not if Zach and Adele’s relationship survives, but whether or not it should.

(Photo By Mike Marques)


The performances of the three leads are the epicenter of the show. Tim DeKay portrayed great range in his performance as Miller. From a towering bully to a jolly drunk and even a sensitive man willing to show his vulnerability, DeKay humanizes Miller in a sincere and empathic way. Along with DeKay, Lana Young creates a compelling performance as Adele. From the first moment Young is on stage, the audience is captivated by the complexities of her character. When you think you know who Adele is, there’s another “and” to be found. To round the trio is Doug Savant’s performance as Zach. Savant’s line delivery was unconvincing at the beginning of the play. As the show progressed, Savant's performance felt more realistic and relatable. The collaboration of the actors created a performance that sent the audience through a myriad of intense emotions. 


The writing and directing of Fever Dreams is robust, yet a bit inconsistent. Lieber’s writing includes compelling characters and engaging twists to the plot. Yet, at times, the characters’ dialogue felt artificial and out of place. While the dialogue made for a bit of inconsistency, the story as a whole was enthralling, especially with the directorial choices by Rob Ruggiero. How the characters utilize the entire stage space reinforces the authenticity of their world. The characters interact with the environment, and each other, revealing their longtime rapport, as well as their animosity towards each other. 


The set design was breathtaking and memorable. The cabin looks as if it was handmade and well lived in. From the well worn furniture, to the loose cabinet door that never closes, set designer Luke Cantarella creates a visually stunning and realistic world. There was great detail in every aspect of the set, down to the forest backdrop that could be seen through the cabin windows. The set compels the audience to believe that the cabin has been Zach’s and Adele’s longtime get-away.

(Photo By Mike Marques)


The collaboration between the makeup and props elevated the performance to an intense and passionate experience. Firearms Consultant Tom Ringberg and Props Lead Emmarose Campbell enahnce the actors’ performances through the use of a realistic revolver prop. Then the makeup effects make the characters’ injuries feel genuine. The reactions and interactions between the characters with the gun create tension that’s palpable. 

(Photo By Mike Marques)


Fever Dreams is a tempting and seductive show from start to finish. From its breathtaking set design to its passionate cast and emotional stakes, Fever Dreams is the show to see for anyone who loves complex relationships. Fever Dreams is playing at TheaterWorks through November 3rd. Tickets start at $33 with performances Tuesday Through Thursday at 7:30 PM, Fridays at 8:00 PM, Saturdays at 2:30 PM and 8:00 PM, and Sundays at 2:30 PM. An additional performance has been added on Thursday, October 31st, at 1:00 PM and Sunday, November 3rd, at 7:30 PM. For more ticket information, go to https://twhartford.org/ , contact the box office at 233 Pearl Street, Hartford, CT, or call (860) 527-7838
Location: 233 Pearl St, Hartford, CT 06103, USA

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