Stalking the Bogeyman dramatizes a narrative by a man who seeks to avenge his rape at age seven and some molestation afterward. The “Bogeyman” rapist was about a decade older, son of the boy’s parents’ best friends. The victim has been silent to avoid hurting his parents, while his own hurt and urge for revenge festered through the years, coming to the point where he’s ready to murder. The mystery is: Will he? With words and amazing stunning facial and bodily expressions, David Perez-Ribada re-creates the rape David Holthouse experienced as a child. Michael Stewart Allen’s cool, authoritative Bogeyman is just as authentic, but in stark and detailed contrast, totally without suffering. What he did a few years later when left to be Holthouse’s sitter must be imagined. At 12, Holthouse had his first taste of revenge. It prepared him as he grew in age and size to stalk with a purpose: to get even with the Bogeyman and stop him from victimizing vulnerable others. The circuitous way in which Holthouse’s parents learn the truth and the results are among all the episodes so well directed by Jason Cannon. They seem, like the stalker David Holthouse’s concluding actions, to be inevitable. Offended parent Kate Hampton is both sensitive and strong in dealing with the Bogeyman’s parents and his crime. Andy Prosky similarly meets well his most challenging of many such goals at FST to date as Robert Holthouse. Truth brings him near to an emotional breakdown. As the Bogeyman’s parents, Katherine Michelle Tanner and Todd Licea merit pity. In a dual role, Tanner is especially notable as a prostitute and pot provider who has had the Stalker’s experience. They can share a unique friendship and understanding. Director Cannon’s double casting of Tanner is thus particularly effective. Bruce Price’s spare set makes the most of props, well lit by Ryan Finzelber. Susan Angermann’s costumes are appropriate and aid when actors double roles or age in their predominant ones. Technical aspects enhance the beautifully directed dramatic telling of a poignant story.
