Bad Seed by Maxwell Anderson is a classic noir thriller set in the 1950s’ South. It’s not so much a whodunit as a why-did-they-do-it? We follow the lives of the Penmark family and their status-quo lifestyle, as it is rocked to the core by accusations against their precocious 8-year-old daughter, Rhoda. Seemingly the most charming and beautiful little girl one could meet, people begin pointing fingers at her when a neighborhood boy is drowned at the school picnic. There are spine-tingling moments, wonderful performances, and lighting, costumes, and stage design that recalls the 50s’ thriller genre - and Rhoda’s world.
Rhoda Penmark is played by Veronika Mikulasek in quite a departure from her recent role in Cheaper by the Dozen at Conejo Players. She brings such a naturally bad quality to Rhoda, it’s hard to believe she is so sweet in real life. She lends an intensity to the role that at some moments will make your stomach turn. She is joined by Keith Moreton as Leroy, Rhoda’s secondary foil. The two of them have many wonderful moments throughout the show, but when they face off - watch out as an 8-year-old girl outwits a middle-aged man and leaves him speechless! Visit www.conejoplayers.org for more details.
