by dick kerekes dickkerekes@yahoo.com
Theatre Jacksonville opened the fourth production of its 87th season last weekend, with Matthew Barber’s Enchanted April. Let me say from the start, it is a wonderful romantic comedy and definitely a must-see for 2007.
I did not know anything about this play before I saw it and I approached opening night with some apprehension. Was I going to find a story about four British women going for a month long holiday in Italy a big bore? The play had impressive credentials, though, so I figured it was worth a try.
First it was adapted by Mr. Barber from a l922 novel by Elizabeth von Armin, and the book is still in print! There was a l992 film version that had great reviews, but I have never seen it. Barber’s 2003 play won three Best Play awards and was nominated for a Tony. The most convincing reason to see the play was because of the director, Michael Lipp. Over the past 20 years, Mr. Lipp has directed many plays, and he chooses the material he directs carefully. I don’t recall him ever directing a dud, and he certainly has a winner with this one.
The plot is simple. Lotty (Alexis Robbins) is a London housewife who is tired of England’s lousy weather, weary of the sorrow and sacrifices of World War 1, and weary as well of her stuffy husband. She spies an advertisement in the paper for a month lease on a castle in Italy. She uses her small savings for the lease and then finds three other women to share the experience and cost.
The three unlikely colleagues are: Lady Caroline (Staci Cobb) an attractive, cognac swigging aristocrat, Mrs. Graves (Harolyn Sharpe) a domineering, straitlaced and lonely old lady, and Rose (Cathy O’Brien), devout, delicate and dedicated to her libertine husband (Roger Lowe).
The first act is somewhat dreary, but it is supposed to be. All the action takes place in front of a black curtain, with three sets of tables and chairs spaced across the stage as the plot for the trip unfolds. We hear the rain, we see the lightning, and yes, going to sunny Italy sounded good to me.
The curtain rises on act II as the ladies have arrived for their adventure. Scenic Designer Kelly Wagoner’s gorgeous, flower-laden garden and impressive castle received rousing applause from the audience. Technical Director/ Lighting Designer Jeff Wagoner’s wonderful lighting makes us feel the warmth of the Italian sun and the romantic atmosphere of an Italian evening.
Costume/hair designer Tracy Olin’s costumes enhance this visual feast. In Act I, the apparel is certainly the l920s era, but the clothing is dark and dreary, reflecting the feelings after the war. In Act II, the colors and styles are as bright and breezy as the garden colors that are everywhere.
Enchanted April not only has great roles for women, but the supporting male roles are interesting. Jefferson Baker is the handsome and hospitable Antony Wilding, the owner of this charming castle. Roger Lowe as Rose’s philandering husband Fredrick, has cornered the market on roguish parts in this area, but he does them oh-so-well and proves it in this play. Daniel Owen Dungan turns in a fine performance as Lotty’s cold and clueless husband, Mellersh. To Mr. Dungan belongs the funniest scene in the show, when he arrives on the terrace dressed in a bath towel and tries desperately to avoid total nudity! He will want to videotape this to show his grandchildren someday.
To single out the performance of any of the four leading ladies, Alexis Robbins, Cathy O’Brien, Staci Cobb or Harolyn Sharpe, would be unfair. The four are a marvelous and terrific ensemble, each giving their individual characters special personalities personified by delectable acting. You will be mesmerized as they interact and their stories unfold.
I cannot tell you how refreshing it was to sit through a two-hour play without being assaulted by four letter words, to have my heart strings plucked and to believe once again there is still a place for some old-fashioned romance.
Thanks again, Michael Lipp, for your magnificent direction and wonderful cast.
I especially loved the music you selected for the Act II scene changes. Using Dean Martin’s song ‘That’s Amore’ for the curtain call was truly inspired and the audience left in high spirits. Yes, it was certainly paradiso!
You have until May 5 to become enchanted and charmed. It doesn’t happen often in this day and age, so don’t miss production. The Harold K. Smith Playhouse is located at 2032 San Marco, call 396-4425 for reservations.
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