William Wycherley's The
Country Wife, written in 1675, is widely considered to be the most studied and
revived comedy from the Restoration period. Initially banned for its bawdiness
for close to 200 years, the play’s themes of money, marriage and sexual
intrigue nonetheless still strike a chord of universal appeal with contemporary
audiences. This proves to be no less true of the handsome production by HoNkBarK!
and Vital Theatre Company.
The story centers on Harry Horner,
whose reputation as a seducer has become so widely known in
Viewed from today’s
perspective, none of the naughtiness of The Country Wife shocks or even
titillates as it might have once upon a time and so, much of its power is lost.
However, fans of the genre will certainly be pleased with this colorful
production filled with visual delights and strong performances. Director John
Ficarra has managed a large cast on a small stage to great effect and keeps
things moving along through a three hour performance; but the flowery prose can
be tricky to follow and the character and plot twists difficult to keep track of
for newcomers to the play. The design team members are the true stars of this
production, with Karl A. Ruckdeschel’s
opulent costumes popping out of Brian
Garber’s wine colored set, decorated with gilded picture frames. The
production is a feast for the eyes and helps to make the play much more
attractive than its ancient text would otherwise seem.
There is a fine cast of
fifteen actors and musicians bringing the characters to life, headed by Richard Haratine as Horner. As the
comically flamboyant Sparkish, Brian
Linden delivers outrageousness on a silver platter and punctuates it with
biting diction and a swish of silk. Kristin
Price as Margery Pinchwife (the “country wife” of the title) handles the
most important female role with exuberance and plenty of charm. Maurice Edwards, Linda Jones, Janna Kefalas,
Dolores Kenan, Steve Kuhel, Laura LeBleu,
Robert Lehrer, Ray A. Rodriguez, Bridgette
Shaw, Joan Slavin and Mike Yahn
make up the talented ensemble. A threesome of musicians adds live music for
flavor, raising the production’s artistry above the typical showcase
presentation.
If Restoration comedy is not
your cup of tea, this museum quality production will not sway your opinion. But,
for those fans hungry for a little naughty farce of 1675, this little jewel
should appease your appetite.
Writing: 2
Directing: 2
Acting: 2
Sets: 2
Costumes: 2
Lighting/Sound: 2
Copyright 2007 Michael D. Jackson
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