The play is dominated by the riveting presence of Mark Broadnax as Lucius – a convict on death row for the cold, gruesome murder of several innocent victims throughout the state of Florida. We are only introduced to him long after his conviction when he seems a relaxed, warm, and even humorous person at peace with himself after claiming to have found his inner peace with God. But the physical and psychological torture by prison guard Valdez and the countdown to his execution date reveal a man whose fears, doubts, and still deeply troubled mind lie just beneath his calm exterior. Both the inner and outer aspects of Lucius are masterfully portrayed by Mark Broadnax.

Jeremiah M. Maestas is Angel, a young man recently arrested for the attempted murder of a cult leader and swindler proclaiming to be the second coming of Christ. Angry and frustrated because he was unable to get his friend out of the cult, Angel shot the new messiah in the butt. Jeremiah has the look and feel of a scared, youthful, and naïve person who acted rashly but with good intentions – a great contrast to Lucius who he ends up spending some time with in isolation from other prisoners, revealing much about both in their conversations.

Angel’s youth and naivety also contrast to his attorney – the world-weary Mary Jane who begins to see this case as a chance to rediscover justice in the world. It’s a chance that must not be missed at any cost, and it's a role expertly portrayed by DeAnna Driscoll. Denton Davis is filled with a simmering rage throughout as Valdez, a correctional officer who sees it as his duty to the victims to make sure a murderer’s time in prison is as miserable as possible. Gerard Maxwell plays the anti-Valdez, amicable correctional guard D’Amico whose genuine goodness finds the goodness in Lucius. Both Valdez and D’Amico see what they want to see in Lucius.

Performed through December 12, 2004.

Rob Hopper
San Diego Playbill