Two, Nikita
Credits

World Premiere
Two, Nikita
by Jeffrey Hatcher
Directed by John Morrison

Reviews

"It is 1959, deep in the hear of the Cold War, and Nikita Khrushchev is visiting the United States. The FBI learns that someone named Nikita wants to defect to the United States. Could it be the leader of the Soviet Union? No, it's Nikita Shepkin (T. Ryder Smith) a lackey employed by Soviet television, who's part of the Khrushchev entourage, and a huge American TV fan. A mystery ensues that involves the FBI, CIA, and KGB, a cross-country chase, and a Johnny Carson-esque late-night talk show host…

Smith's dramatization of the Russian defector is perfectly executed right down to the accent. Von Eck brings grace and spirit to the meek-but-feisty Mrs. Bryden. Dan Daily gets to show his versatility as an ulcer-stricken FBI agent and an indiscreet doctor. Matt Higgins, Trish Hunter, and Oliver Dixon are amusing as Bryden's family…Scenic designer Roger Hanna and costume designer Crystal Thompson have created a world of black, gray and white that is functional and stylish."

"Speaking of the 1950s -- the best thing I saw last week has, alas, closed. Gilgamesh Theatre Co.'s production of Jeffrey Hatcher's "Two, Nikita," was a hilarious and most inventive sendup of 1950s America's Cold War paranoia, involving bumbling FBI and CIA agents in pursuit of a possible Russian defector, who may or may not be a double agent. Do keep an eye on the Gilgamesh people, though. They're in residence this season at Theatre 22 in Chelsea, and they know what they're doing.

Photo Credits:
(Top Left)Dan Daily and Suzanne von Eck in Two, Nikita
(Lower Right)Matt Higgins, Suzanne von Eck and Dan Daily in Two, Nikita
Photos by Gerry Goodstein