‘More Little Devils’ Devilish Fun At The Academy

It’s not often that you find yourself walking out of the theater asking yourself, “How did they do all that in 90 minutes?”

But that’s precisely the kind of magic the Academy of Performing Arts in Orleans conjured up with “More Little Devils,” a series of six short plays that somehow manage to explore a wide range of human experiences with surprising depth, nuance, and heart, all within an hour and a half. 

Curated and brought to life under the vision of producing artistic director Jim Dalglish and the Helltown Players, “More Little Devils” is a remarkable theatrical feat. Each play stands alone, yet together they create a cohesive, emotionally rich experience that transports audiences into six completely different worlds. The beauty lies not just in the writing, but in how seamlessly these transitions happen. One moment you’re laughing; the next you’re sitting in stunned silence, touched by a line that cuts just a little too close to home. You don’t always know where the director is taking you — and that’s exactly the point.

The minimal set design could have been a limitation, but here it becomes a powerful tool. With only the essentials on stage, our attention is pulled into the performances and the storytelling itself. The technical team elevates this simplicity into something really special. Through the skillful work of lighting and sound designers Jennifer Kansas, Susan Nicholson, Florence Heller, Bill Jacobs, Tori Mondello and Dalglish himself, each play has its own distinct tone and environment. Whether it’s the suggestion of the Cape or the echo of a past memory, we are drawn in fully, immersed in each world, one after the other.

Local playwrights Candace Perry, Wendy Watson, Melinda Buckley, R.D. Murphy, Patrick Riviere and Bill Jacobs offer inspiring, smart and moving scripts that pay subtle homage to the region. For Cape Codders in the audience, hearing references to Provincetown evokes a special thrill — a wink to the community that elevates the material. There’s an obvious love for the local community woven in, making “More Little Devils” feel uniquely ours.

The direction from Scott Cunningham, Florence Heller, Judith Partelow, Mary Arnault and Bill Jacobs breathes life into each scene. These are not just staged readings, they are fully realized moments. Each director brings their own flavor and interpretation, ensuring that no two pieces feel alike, yet all feel as if they belong in the same family.

“More Little Devils” is a celebration of local talent, unique storytelling, and the quiet power of theatre connecting us. If you’re looking for something that will entertain and stay with you long after the curtain call, this show is not to be missed. 

DETAILS:
“More Little Devils”
At the Academy of Performing Arts, April 11 and 12 at 7:30 p.m.
At the Pilgrim House, Provincetown, April 17 to 19th at 8 p.m., April 20 at 4 p.m.

Information and Reservations: www. helltownplayers.org