The story introduces us to two generations of Armadales, but it is really a battle between the son who was alienated from his father and the father’s godchild who was supposedly the substitute heir. Michael Ganio’s functional set is so cleverly designed that without changing or moving anything on stage, the multiple spaces are converted into whatever venue is required. This keeps this complicated drama flowing.

The tale is told with alternating dialogue and narration, some of which is aimed directly at the audience. All of the actors except the three leads take several roles, which can also be confusing, though they are skillful in their various renditions with a switch in dialect or body language or the quick addition of a wig. Peter Silbert was especially adept in his alternating roles as Reverend Brock and Bashwood. Silbert has the ability to transform himself quickly from the comedic to the tragic.

Rich with contrasting characters, we witness the diabolical but charming wiles of Lydia Gwilt and the naivete of Neelie, the optimism of Allan Armadale and the cynicism of Ozias Midwinter, the connivings of Reverend Brock and his hypocritical facade as minister, the moralistic Old Pedgift and his opportunistic son. Contrasting themes also prevail: good and evil, wealth and poverty, honesty and deception, love and hate, compassion and cruelty, free will and destiny. This is a work that almost requires two or three viewings to unlock all its meanings.

Deborah Staples delivered again with a splendid portrayal of the ultimate femme fatale, Lydia Gwilt. She is able to unearth any man’s affection and use him to achieve her ends. Michael Gotch, an import often seen in Shakespeare productions, is spell-binding as the disinherited second Armadale. Brian Vaughn is strong and full of sunshine as the lucky inheritor of the Armadale fortune, but is thrown into a maelstrom of muddy history that almost destroys him.

Kristin Crouch, literary director at The Rep, summed it up perfectly: "deathbed conversions, forged letters, specters, portents, dreads, curses, lethal elixirs and cold-blooded murder - these are the makings of the Victorian sensation novel." Wilkie Collins, often called the father of the detective novel, was also skilled at creating the gothic melodrama. "Armadale" fits the bill perfectly.

If you like the challenge of unraveling the web of a complex tale and can appreciate actors who can take on multiple characters with credibility at a moment’s notice, you will enjoy "Armadale." Those who prefer mindless, relaxing entertainment need not apply. The show runs through May 25. Call (414) 224-9490 for times and tickets. Kudos to Joseph Hanreddy for his creative direction and for a season replete with variety and talented performances.