In September, The Shawshank Redemption celebrated its 30th anniversary, having been famously dismissed at the box office before earning seven Oscar nominations and being enshrined on the American Film Institute’s list of 100 best movies. The prison drama’s dark theme is important to the telling of The Shawshank Redemption, and that starts with the set complemented by the lighting and sound designs. As director Evan Hoffman points out, the audience is made to feel the environment by the simple set — a stark, 15-foot-tall wall with panels that open for various scenes. Scenic designer Jack Golden and lighting designer Hailey LaRoe produce a set and lighting that are indeed effective — as are sound designer Brandon Cook’s sounds from the prison indicating lockup and various points of the day in the prisoners’ routines. Costumes are simple and appropriately so — prison uniforms consisting of dungarees and cotton shirts, guards’ uniforms, and a suit for the warden. Evan Crump as Andy in ‘The Shawshank Redemption.’ Photo by DJ Corey Photography. Fulfilling the story in a stage production, however, is a tall order— and it’s difficult for those who have seen the movie not to compare them, both in acting and in character. Baltimore actor Curtis McNeil assumes the role of Red. It is his character who brings the narrative to light about the story, and, unlike the movie, the stage adaptation seems to focus more on his character’s insights and feelings. This is not objectionable — McNeil brings a warmth and poignant flavor to the role that is necessary — but it also means that, in a way, Red becomes the focal point of the story more so than Andy Dufresne, which is not the case in the film. Andy, played by Evan Crump, is a likable enough type, but his scenes did not do justice to the character. It may be unfair to compare him to Tim Robbins; I don’t think it was the fault of the actor but the writing that was choppy. Dufrain’s appeal as a brooding, sensitive man who has been wrongly accused was a little impeded by the lack of opportunity to explore the depth of his persona — it seemed to me that sometimes his scenes were cut a little short just as he was on the brink of going further. Andy is beaten up pretty badly in several scenes, but after those scenes, he emerges without a bruise or mark on his face, which is puzzling. And as the play goes on, no one in the show visibly ages in 30 years, which is also inadequate for the story. Lastly (spoiler alert), the climactic scene where Andy’s dramatic escape is revealed seems to lose its impact. His escape is never explained properly on stage — so if you haven’t read the book or seen the film, it might not become clear just how he managed his escape. While the limitations of the stage are understandable, perhaps a projection or a scene showing some semblance of Andy being looked for would have resulted in a greater impact. TOP: Curtis McNeil as Red and Evan Crump as Andy; ABOVE: Matthew Shea, Alex Lopez, Matt Baughman, Evan Crump, Curtis McNeil, Steve Lebens, and Robert Freemon, in ‘The Shawshank Redemption.’ Photos by DJ Corey Photography. As a whole, the actors were solid, but there were some inconsistencies with the writing that interfered with the cohesiveness of the show. For instance, Bogs, one of the characters who causes Andy Dufresne considerable harm, is portrayed as an accepted member of the group. While there was nothing wrong with Matt Baugh’s performance, it was difficult as an audience member to believe that any of the other inmates would tolerate him when he is supposed to be a despicable character no one wants around. All of that said, there were some nice moments. Alex Lopez’s portrayal of Rico was particularly amusing, especially his references to the pages of Lady Chatterly’s Lover, and Oscar Salvador Jr. gives a genuine portrayal as the good-hearted, albeit naïve Tommy. And Jim Seeley successfully channels the tragically complicated nature of Brooksie. This show, despite some inconsistencies, is worth seeing. While the stage adaptation might struggle to fully replicate the visual impact of the movie, the show has plenty of positives, including a riveting story and the power of hope to “get busy living, or get busy dying.” Running Time: Two and a half hours with a 15-minute intermission. The Shawshank Redemption plays through December 8, 2024, at NextStop Theatre Company, located at 269 Sunset Park Drive in Herndon, VA. Tickets, priced at $45 with a $2 convenience fee, are available for purchase online or by calling the box office at (703) 481-5930 x1. For more information, email [email protected]. A digital program is available here. Parking is free within the business park, but spaces directly in front of the NextStop entrance may be limited. If you have special needs, it is best to arrive early Content Advisory: Strong profanity, theatrical depictions of physical violence, sexual assault, and death by suicide. The Shawshank Redemption Adapted for the stage by Dave Johns and Owen O’Neill Based on the novella by Stephen King Directed by Evan Hoffmann (NextStop’s Producing Artistic Director) and Donna Reinhold