We saw a modern version of the play last winter. Looking back I concluded then "that while it was funny it was not a very good play."
This time around the play seems better, but I am struggling to figure out why. The quality of the acting was good in both productions and in this one Ben Carlson, Sara Topham, Kelli Fox and Peter Hitt know how to deliver the lines, but it still did not quite click for me.
At one point Carlson and Topham burst into laughter, and I wondered if it was planned or if one of them had slipped. I suspect it was planned as both are so professional, but it still jarred.
The costumes were fantastic - just gorgeous. The staging was good with the director making full use of the double staircase. The combination of the very full skirted dresses and the stairs gave Sara Topham a wonderful opportunity to flounce and she took full advantage.
My overall conclusion is that it was a good cast in a good production of a not very relevant play.
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ReplyDeleteThis was a preview and sometimes the actors had to dig for a line, which I am sure will be gone long before opening night.
ReplyDeleteThe laughter was weirdly placed, I hope it was just the actors having a moment.
No doubt Moliere is good in French, because of the linguistic gymnastics, but I don't see that it is much in English, either in this translation or the more modernized one we saw last Winter, just not for me.
Still, this one was in period dress, so people could oooh! at the pretty frocks.