The belles steal the show at 2nd Story Theatre
Written by Kathie Raleigh   
The comment that most indicates how far none of us has come, however, is a unisex observation by a character named Lady Frances. Raised in rural England, Lady Frances is being introduced to city living and high society. While she is enjoying the excitement and opportunities of her new environment, she’s clear-sighted enough to note  that, “Everybody seemed to be in a hurry to be happy somewhere else,” an observation just as appropriate in 2008.
“The Belle’s Stratagem” is getting a full-throttle production at 2nd Story Theatre, and like its companion piece that opened this summer’s season, “The Beaux Strategem,” it’s characterized by fine performances and fabulous costumes.
Unlike the former production, which came across as wild and crazy enough for contemporary audiences, the hallmarks of Restoration-style comedy get in the way this time. For one, the language is complex, the speeches long, and although frequently eloquent, the characters use five sentences when one would do.
Secondly, the plot depends on a series of contrived ruses that stretch belief. Can these characters not see through the machinations? We can suspend credulity only just so long.
Prepared with those cautions, however, audiences will find lots to enjoy in the company of the belles.
At the center of the play is Letitia Hardy, a lovely young woman whose heart is lost to the handsome Doricourt, but that doesn’t mean her mind isn’t her own.
She is engaged to Doricourt, but he seems indifferent toward her, an attitude she will not tolerate. She sets out to make him hate her because, she reasons, it will be easier to turn a passionate hatred to passionate love than to fire up indifference. Then she has a plan to turn that hate to love.
Typical of its style, this comedy has a wealth of sub-plots, including Lady Frances’ subservience to her control-freak husband — a situation the widow Mrs. Racket and her co-conspirator Miss Ogle are out to change.
There also is a wealth of characters, from the lovelorn Saville or the distraught Hardy, Letitia’s father, who fears his daughter’s schemes will undo her engagement, to the gay and gossipy Flutter.  
There are no props in this production, just eye-candy costumes by Ron Cesario that reflect director Ed Shea’s decision to update the setting to the 1920s. As always, the small 2nd Story theater space puts audiences up close and personal to the actors, which makes for engaging theater.
So do the engaging performances, particularly by Sharon Carpentier as the independent-minded Mrs. Racket. Carpentier creates a willful, confident and funny lady, always quick with a comeback. When someone tries to put her down on the grounds that she can’t seem to find a second husband, she explains she won’t remarry because choosing one suitor would mean so many others would be miserable. Carpentier delivers that and all her lines with just the right mix of self-confidence and self-deprecation.
Gabby Sherba is just as convincing as the lovely Letitia. While she is at the center of the story, she actually has less stage time than  other characters, but when she’s on, that’s where your attention goes.
Unless Flutter is sharing the stage, that is. John Michael Richardson is so intentionally ostentatious that it’s hard to remember who shares his scenes. He’s a hoot.
Ashley Kenner is perfect as Lady Frances, whose ladylike demeanor and devotion to her husband belie a backbone as strong as any feminist, all the qualities that Kenner brings out most naturally.
This play definitely goes to the belles. The male actors hold their own, but the best characters and lines were created for the women, and they’re a good reason to check out their stratagem.
“The Belle’s Strategem” is on stage Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. through Aug. 30 at 2nd Story Theatre, 28 Market St. Tickets are $25 at the box office or by calling (401) 247-4200. For information, visit www.2ndStoryTheatre.com.
Comments
Search
Only registered users can write comments.
Click to login or register.

3.20 Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."
Last Updated ( Monday, 18 August 2008 )
 
< Prev   Next >
[ Back ]