Brendan Ragan and Jesse Dornan (on ground) in "The Robbers." Photo by Frank Atura

SARASOTA -- The FSU/Asolo Conservatory's update of The Robbers is about as ambitious as such a production can get: taking a long and sprawling epic by one of the titans of German theater and setting it in an ambiguously modern time, in terms of costumes and scenery, while using the original language of the translated script – all intermittently spliced with late 70's-era punk rock music. Only a very strong cast could make it work and fortunately the second-year class at FSU's famed theater program provided just that.

Truthfully, I'm not a big fan of classic scripts in modern settings. I've seen one too many bad results of such adaptations of Romeo and Juliet. But clearly there's a temptation to liken this romance-era classic of youthful angst to today's events, most notably the Arab Spring, though the protagonist comes down closer to the side of conventional dissidence than the anarchistic instincts that drives his actions.

The punk rock score demonstrates the timelessness of such themes, though as strong as the acting in the production was, the musical talents of the cast were somewhat lacking. The one notable exception was the elegant, songbird voice of Brittany Proia, who shined as the woman at the center of the three men's attention, Amalia – who is also spared the considerable task of Punk renditions.

Kelly Campbell and Christopher Williams in "The Robbers" Photo by Frank Atura

After a poignant turn as the anal retentive William in Lobby Hero, Christopher Williams pulls off a remarkably powerful performance as Karl, the vigilante brother whose life as ”Captain“ of a band of somewhat principled robbers sparks the family drama, as his meek but devious brother Franz (Brendan Ragan) plots to win their distraught father's favor before plotting his demise and winning the hand of Amalia. Ragan, who has now had prominent roles in all three of this year's productions, continues to show tremendous range and hefty stage presence.

Kelly Campbell carries many of the scenes with her visceral performance as Spiegelberg, Karl's nemesis within the group, as well as his former lover. The tensions between the characters are heavy enough to cut with a knife and what the interpretation lacks in coherency is made up for with rare and compelling intensity. Theatre fans open to experimentation will admire the lack of convention and strong performances of the cast, while purists may find the production at times difficult. The opening night reactions of fans in attendance seemed evenly split.

The Robbers runs through March 11, 2012, at the Cook Theatre in the FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Productions are Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m.; Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m.; and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $28 evenings; $27 matinees. Students receive 50 percent off with advance ticket purchase. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Asolo Rep’s box office at the FSU Center for Performing Arts; 941-351-8000.

see also:

Asolo Rep's Lobby Hero is a Fresh Take on the Moral Dilemma

FSU/Asolo's Karamazov Filled with Life