Love and wit on the Main Line
Colonial Players serves an upper-crust feast with 'Philadelphia Story'
Pat Reynolds plays Dexter Haven and Zarah Roberts is Tracy Lord in "The Philadelphia Story." (Bud Johnson // Special to The Baltimore Sun / September 9, 2008)
"One of the prettiest
sights in this pretty world is the privileged classes enjoying
their privileges," says journalist Mike Connor in
The Philadelphia Story, now at Colonial
Players in Annapolis. The show is a visual feast, with
well-dressed, attractive characters and elegant furnishings
illustrating the lifestyle of a Philadelphia Main Line family
engaging in drawing-room repartee.
The most requested show by Colonial Players subscribers,
The Philadelphia Story was chosen to open
the 60th-anniversary season. Playwright
Philip Barry's 1939 play, created specifically for Katherine
Hepburn, launched her stage and film career.
The play opens as free-spirited socialite Tracy Lord prepares
for her wedding to self-made businessman George Kittredge the
next day. This is the second marriage for Tracy, divorced after
a one-year marriage to Dexter Haven. Tracy's brother Sandy made
a deal with the magazine editor to invite reporters to cover
Tracy's wedding to avoid having news of their father's
infidelities published. Soon family, ex-husband and reporters
become convinced that George is wrong for Tracy.
Director Beverly Hill van Joolen took on a challenging task of
seamlessly moving the action between players in the 12-person
cast through suggested mansion rooms within CP's in-the-round
space. In her director's notes, describing this show as "a rich
foray into the quips and quandaries of the upper class," van
Joolen noted that it "also addresses the battle of the classes,
the search for self identity and conflict inherent in acceptance
and forgiveness." Earlier, she said she enjoyed working with a
cast that gave "subtle recognition to the film performances
while welcoming the challenge of re-creating this great
classic."
Helping van Joolen bring this world to
visual reality is set designer Edd Miller and a group of set
decorators and costume designer Beth Terranova. Terranova has
assembled a wardrobe of magnificent costumes, including several
vintage ones that lend authenticity to cast members'
transformations.
Strong performances start at the top, with Zarah Roberts as
regal red-haired Tracy, looking fabulous in every costume, from
casual gray trousers to gorgeous evening gowns. Roberts' Tracy
is feisty and assured, trading barbs with ex-husband Dexter and
journalist Mike while conveying her regret of her shortcomings
to project an aristocrat with endearing humility.
Equally adept at portraying a member of the upper class is Pat
Reynolds as Tracy's first husband, soon making us forget he is
cast in the role created by
Cary Grant. Reynolds' Dexter conjures up a charming mix of
strength and tenderness in emotions stemming from his love for
Tracy and his realization that growth is needed on both sides if
their love is to endure.
Richard McGraw is cast as bridegroom George Kittredge - not an
entirely sympathetic character, whose mix of charm, manipulative
aggression, ambition, self-absorption and priggishness are well
conveyed.
Ben Carr brings chivalry, brashness and political conviction to
the role of former poet and practicing journalist Mike Connor,
lending snap to his every line in this dialogue-driven play
while conveying Connor's ambivalence toward Tracy in his
grudging respect and eventual love.
Jamie Erin Miller plays Liz, Connor's colleague and
photographer, with style and sass - although my
photographer-husband Bud would have preferred that she used a
Speed Graphic camera for greater authenticity.
Other Lord family members deliver what is required, including
Marky Regensburg as matriarch Margaret, Marty Thompson as
Tracy's younger brother Sandy, Bronwyn van Joolen as younger
sister Dinah, Walt League as patriarch Seth Lord and Ed
Wintermute as Uncle Willie, who pinches every young woman who
comes within his range.
Appearing as servants are Bill Hahn in his debut performance as
Thomas and Stephanie Morelli as Elsie.
Performances continue Thursday through Sunday until September
27. For season subscription information, check out
www.cplayers.com. To order
individual tickets ($20 adults, $15 seniors and students), call
the box office at 410-268-7373.