By Erin Randolph erin@dmcityview.com

On paper, it sounds like some sort of punishment for kids in detention who didn't do their history homework: a middle-aged man all alone on stage, spouting off more than 90 minutes of autobiographical monologue guided by a director whose last effort was in junior high.

But while "Eliot Ness: An Untouchable Life" may seem about as enticing as spending an evening with a dusty textbook, the combined talents of renowned writer Max Allan Collins (known most widely as author of "Road to Perdition) and actor Michael Cornelison make the current one-man production at the Des Moines Playhouse a riveting tale of corruption and conviction that, like its legendary subject, will hold a celebrated place in Playhouse history.

With the entire play centering on Eliot Ness' own remembrance of his life as a crusader against organized crime and crooked cops during the mob-dominated days of prohibition, the script may be short on characters, but thanks to Cornelison, this show is bursting at the seams with dramatic intrigue. From the opening description of his childhood to his sudden death at the kitchen table, Cornelison never once loses his steam (or, more importantly, the audience's rapt attention) during his marathon monologue that is so dense with names, dates and details that he's aided by prompters in front of the stage. Living up to his reputation, Cornelison maintains a high-energy, wink-and-a-nod delivery that subtly ebbs and flows - raising the tension to a crescendo with scenes of brides rebuffed, breweries raided and criminals cornered and pulling back for subdued moments of personal reflection and political commentary. And not only does he keep the audience invested in Ness' life story, but his flawless shape-shifting - including moments as Al Capone and a brutal serial killer - is so engaging that the audience scarcely realizes that the cast of shady characters that Ness encounters aren't physically present on stage.

Of course, Cornelison's performance wouldn't be possible without Collins' apt storytelling, which juggles action and reflection, humor and gravity in a script that reveals both the bravado and humility of the larger-than-life Chicago cop. And nearly as pivotal is scenic designer Wayne Kischer, whose set captures the cold brick alleys, the clinical top-cop office and a cozy, sun-drenched kitchen that provide visual cues for the audience as Cornelison connects disparate life moments through his constant movement across the small space.

If Cornelison's portrayal of Clarence Darrow earlier this year sparked your interest, the combined talents that converge in "Eliot Ness" will blow you away.

Stage Notes

Cityview is gathering theater and performance arts schedules for its Fall Entertainment Guide. Please send schedules, synopses and photos to erin@dmcityview.com by Sept. 2... The Drama Workshop's final workshop of the season is tonight, Aug. 25, at 7 p.m. with a performance of "Cyra and Rocky" at the Vaudeville Mews. Tickets are $7... Have Court, Will Travel - the royal court for the Des Moines Renaissance Faire - is auditioning men and women, ages 17-70, from 6 - 8 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 25, at the Franklin Public Library. More information at www.havecourtwilltravel.com... The Central Iowa Repertory Theatre will hold auditions at The Thoreau Center, 3500 Kingman Blvd, from 6:30-10 p.m. on Aug. 28 and 8-10 p.m. on Aug. 29 for "William's Triple Bill." For details, call 979-0310 or e-mail actwritenow@yahoo.com. CV

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