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| The Cast of Lovers' Quarrels |
After being enchanted by the latest Imaginary Beasts production, Moliere's "Lovers' Quarrels," I feel that Spring has finally sprung in Boston! This seldom performed play, written early in the French playwright's career, is farcical, magical, phantasmagorical, fanatical,comical and theatrical. As you can see from the pastel palette of the costumes, lighting and set in the photo above, the play looks and feels like an Easter Egg Hunt on the front lawn of the Queen of Hearts' home in Wonderland.
Moliere's French script has been translated into English verse by Richard Wilbur. The verse is clever and clear, and trips easily off the tongues of the members of this wonderful and vibrant ensemble cast. At times, the monologues and quick repartee dialogues feel like the best of Shakespeare comedies.
What is this fanciful confection all about?
"Jealous rivalries and merry mix-ups lead a trio of couples astray in this classic tale of deception and intrigue. Young Ascagne (Lynn Guerra) has spent her life in male disguise for the sake of a family inheritance; but when she falls in love with her sister’s rejected suitor, she enacts a bold masquerade that sets off a comical chain of events that changes the lives of everyone around her. At the helm of this production is IRNE Award nominated director Matthew Woods (who does double duty as set designer), the company’s Artistic Director. IRNE Award winning costumer Cotton Talbot-Minkin and lighting designer Kevin Semagin work with Woods to create a visually stunning playground for their talented ensemble of actors."
Because this is such an intricately woven ensemble piece, I will not highlight individual performers. I will say that the cast is terrific - offering up pratfalls and grimacing facial features that made Sunday's audience howl with delight. Artfully directed by Mr. Woods, the cast dispensed mirth in large doses and with perfect split-second timing. Two little girls sitting in the row in front of me were squealing with delight on several occasions at the antics on display.
The players are:
Bryan Bernfeld
Erin Butcher
Michael Chodos
Cameron Cronin
Lynn Guerra
Will Jobs
Amy Meyer
Elizabeth Pearson
Joey C. Pelletier
Anneke Reich
William Schuller
Melissa Walker
The show will run through April 19 at the Plaza Black Box Theatre at the Boston Center for the Arts. Get your tickets early, for this show will be very popular. It is a garden of earthly delights.
Enjoy!
Al
Imaginary Beasts Website
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