Like many people, playwright Phlip Barry was fascinated by the lives of the upper class he observed and how they conducted themselves in public. In this cleverly thought out satire, Barry exposes the foibles of a wealthy socialite family in the midst of a public scandal and a daughter's wedding while reporters are on hand looking for a story. The pretense, the cover-ups, and the scandals make for a fascinating glimpse into the not so distant past when the roles of mothers and fathers, husbands and wives, and brothers and sisters were a bit different than they are today.
A beautifully adorned home with a lush garden outside a set of French doors is the idyllic backdrop for the home of the Lord family. With an ingeniously designed "Yvonne Craig" set that rotates and expands (created by Jackie and Rick Penrod) the feeling of open space and tasteful elegance is masterfully achieved.
Costumes and wardrobe (by Rachel Laritz) separated the working class reporters in their neutral business attire from the shimmering full length satins of wealthy Tracy Lord and the well tailored suit of her brother Sandy without creating a loud clash of class.
Among the notable performers in
The Philadelphia Story is Annabel Armour who displays a graceful sophistication and maturity as the family matriarch, Margaret Lord. Her interaction with Margaret Katch (Dinah Lord) depicts a typical mother/daughter relationship and is most likely more the norm in this time of the pre-feminist movement woman. Juxtaposed to her character's nature is that of her independent spitfire daughter, Tracy Lord, played by Erica Elam.
In the lead role, Erica Elam shines most brightly when she exposes the love and affection that she has for her elder brother (Sandy) played richly by Gregory Anderson. In a moment of "us against the world" portrayed in the garden, these two sparkle with a familiar chemistry that blossoms on stage. Anderson is convincing, natural and spot on throughout the entire performance.
Steve Key plays a gruff but lovable reporter with a hidden depth who accepts and falls for Tracy just as she is. He and his photographer sidekick Wendi Weber (Elizabeth Imbrie) find themselves caught in the middle of two of the Lord family members story lines that intersect as their own do the same.
While Grant Goodman plays the protagonist to Steve Key's Macauley Connor, there is a missing element in Goodman's portrayal of Tracy's first husband, C.K. Dexter Haven that detracts from his role as the hero in this production. In his "well-meaning" deconstruction of Tracy's persona, the playful flirtation and charm needed to win back Tracy's affection isn't emphasized strongly enough to win over the audiences hearts. Without an understanding that Dexter's verbal jabs at Tracy are backed with a mischievous good-natured intent, we are left to figure out if he's continuing to be abusive to her (which ended their marriage) or if he's motivated to break through her seemingly tough exterior.
Other supporting roles such as Aaron Christensen,
Peter Davis, and Donald Brearley, whose character takes advantage of a case of mistaken identity and plays it up, add to the balance of the stronger personalities that inhabit the Lord household that is under the watchful care of the servants Ron Butts and Mary Pavia.
The Philadelphia Story through Jan. 6, 2008 in the Upstairs Mainstage at the Victory Gardens Greenhouse Theater, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. Tickets can be purchased online at www.remybumppo.org or through the Victory Gardens box office at 773-871-3000.
Photo by DeoneJahnke.com - Grant Goodman and Erica Elam
