This is a charming update
of Moliere’s comedy about a pompous guy who insists on telling everyone what he
thinks of them and invariably insults and hurts them. He is in love with a
fun-loving gal who enjoys saying clever but nasty quips about everyone behind
their backs. They seem to be a match made in heaven, until he is sued for
slander and her witty notes to a friend are read by all. Directed and adapted
by Tony Tanner, this one hour show, outdoors under shade trees, is a delightful
way to spend a summer afternoon. Set in the 1930’s, the costumes and the
high-style performances suit the play well and, as in the original, it’s told in
verse.
Plaudits to a cast who
both vocally and theatrically pervade the open space. Christopher Salazar and
Rebecca Lincoln are the delightfully mismatched lovers; Michael Faulkner and
Kathy Bell Denton are their amusing antagonists; Thomas Anawalt and Jeffrey
Scott Basham are hilarious as foolish suitors; while Christina Jacquelyn Calph
and Mike Bingaman bring sweetness into this rather acidic tale.
Lovely costumes by Natalie
Shahinyan and simply suggested set by Susan Deeley Wells. Produced by Suzanne
Hunt and Alexander Wells, this Classical Theatre Lab production is presented by
the City of West Hollywood’s Free Theatre
In The Parks arts program.
At Kings Road Park, 1000
Kings Rd, West Hollywood, through August 16 at 4 pm. For performance dates and
reservations call (323) 960-5691.
Photos by Garth Pillsbury.
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