“The Receptionist” by Adam Bock is one of those strange, convoluted stories that will keep you guessing right up to the final moments.

Staged with precision and tension at Black River Playhouse in Chester, the four-member cast keeps the energy at a heightened pitch as the puzzle becomes more dense, more obscure.

… the Chester Theatre Group has delivered a spellbinding tale, one that’s quirky and off-kilter, but contemporary enough to lead us down the path of recognition.

There are two more chances to see The Receptionist — Friday December 4 and Saturday, December 5.  Both shows are at 8:00pm.  Reservations are recommended and can be made by leaving a message at 908-879-7304

“Director Jeff Knapp has cast four superb actors to portray the characters in this three-scene, one act play. Carla Kendall’s spot-on comedic timing, expressive face and mellifluous voice are perfect for Beverly, office yenta/therapist-of-all-matters. She looks matronly enough for such a know-it-all as she bustles around the office, checking her computer screen, making coffee.

Rachel Dunwoody is a knockout as the beautiful Lorraine, although it’s difficult to believe that she’s lonely and despairs of finding the right man. She sashays around the office and flirts with Martin Dart with élan.

As the aforementioned Dart (great name for the character), Don Pflaster has just the right amount of malevolence to set your antennae humming. He keeps his own counsel, however, not revealing his motives at first and then grabbing your attention when he finally does.

And Stephen Catron is fine as Edward Raymond, especially in a seemingly unrelated scene in the very beginning when he directly addresses the audience about his love of fly-fishing and his decision to set free the fish he’s caught. This seemingly casual conversation resonates long after the play ends.

Jonathan Wentz’s set design is the quintessential anteroom of a busy office, complete with a coat rack, magazines, chairs and a spacious L-shaped desk from which Beverly rules.”

The Receptionist continues Fridays and Saturdays at 8 through December 5.  A matinee is scheduled for November 29 at 2 pm.  Due to the size of the house, reservations are recommended and may be made by calling the box office at 908.879.7304.

The full text of the review can be found at the Recorder Community News site:

Improbable Fiction runs through May 17th.

Full details about the show can be found here.