Review: Marivaux's Marvelous Comedy Concludes APT's Superb Season

American Players Theatre (APT) stages Pierre de. Marivaux's romantic romp The Game of Love and Chance surrounded by the warmth of Spring Green's Touchstone Theatre. What could be more enchanting and elegant on their intimate stage than a golden Rococo chandelier illuminating Nathan Stuber's mimimal and sophisticated set design? Only these APT actors who dazzle the audience dressed in their lush, period Robert Morgan costumes.

David Frank's direction of Stephen Wadsworth's remarkable translation of the 1730's French comedy also provides the framework for APT to collaborate with Corinne Soum and Steve Wasson. The accaimed couple directs the White Church Theater Project, newly housed near Spring Green, and their school for the French techniques of mime and movement, whcih was then integrated seamlessly into APT"s production and heightens the humor laced through Marivaux's play.

In Marivaux's story of a woman who desires to know her husband-to-be's personal qualites before she says yes instead of after, chance and the match game begin when Monsieur Orgon wishes to marry his daughter Silvia to a friend's son----although she and her chambermaid Lisette decide to up the stakes of these courting rituals. When Silvia's suitor Dorante arrives at her father's estate dressed as the valet, and Dorante's valet Harlequin, arrives dressed as the aristocratic suitor, the mayhem ensues. Little does Dorante realize that Silvia and Lisette have also switched social stations, although Orgon and his son Mario know all, both pairs of duplicities--and these two men play upon each couple armed with this knowledge.

In this contest of love among the social classes, Melisa Pereyra creates the charming, well bred Lisette that partners with Jeb Burris's adoring Dorante. The two spar in eloquent abandon even when they play chambermaid and valet. Kelsey Brennan again sparks Marcus Truschinski creating the roles of Lisette and Harlequin in a rematch of romance from this season's Pride and Prejudice. Brennan and Truschinski loosen their comedic timing and talent in a wild revelry that exposes hilarious moments on stage when wooing each other, a delight to experience up close in the Touchstone.

Ted Deasy plays the grand Monsieur Orgon and masterminds the love games as he imposes the rules of courtship, or as Orgon does, breaks them, with a regal presence in perfect casting. While Robert R. Doyle's Mario excels in a small role as Silvia's brother, together these six actors--plus a cameo role by James Alexander as Orgon's valet--enchant an evening with pure theatrical magic. Where laughter spontaneously rises in the theater like the light in these lovers' eyes for each other.

Each character mingles their private thoughts spoken directly to the audience with their stage lines tthroughout the performace to involve those in theater, while great use is made of the aisles.. During the performance, the audience might believe they could be listening to these conversations alongside the actors. Frank's quick comedic tempo developed in several scenes juxtaposes with the quieter, sensitve moments and perfectly paces the production. His directorial nuances allow the audience to appreciate Marivaux's language (How can he change his mind if he loses his head?) as well as the heartfelt professions of love spoken throughout these equally superb performances.

In APT's truly marvelous Game of Love and Chance, the audience wholehearedly wins to conclude a stellar season in Spring Green. While a touch of sadness appears as as the company closes the outdoor stage and the theater doors for another year, Marivaux sparkles in this final comedy. APT's fall production delicately underscores a romantic message for lovers young and old alike to send the audience into the holiday season. When love comes calling, even when "covered by any mistakes and false assumptions," a person needs to take a chance, a risk, and "be comforted by what we have instead of what is lost, or we don't have." Get in the game, or reinvent a present one, for a refreshed chance at love with as Lisette would say, "An honest heart that is worth a thousand fortunes." .

American Players Theatre pesents Marivaux's The Game of Love and Chance in Spring Green's Touchstone Theatre through November 22. For further information, special events or tickets please call 608.588.7601 or visit www.americanplayers.org.

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