Spring is in the air, the flowers are blooming, the weather is, well, balmy, and the birds and the bees are hard at work, riling everyone up for the summer.
The birds and the bees were also hard at work in the last production of the season for the Madison Repertory Theatre, “The Game of Love and Chance.” The directorial debut for the Madison Repertory Theatre’s new artistic director, Richard Corley, who also adapted and translated the French play for the stage, is a story of mischief and mayhem surrounding the “game” of love. And what a game it turned out to be.
This 18th-century French comedy, written by Marivaux, is the last production for the Madison Repertory Theatre’s record-breaking 14th season, the best season in the history of the theatre company. And although this show was much more light-hearted than some of the other productions this season, it was charming and well-done.
Sylvia, played by a darling Krista Hoeppner in her Madison Repertory Theatre debut, is betrothed to Dorante, played by the suave, endearing and also debuting Nathan Darrow, at the will of her father. But Sylvia, being the spitfire that she is, will not marry without meeting this man first.
Thus on her father’s behalf, Sylvia trades places with her servant, Lisette, in order to see who this fiancé of hers really is. Not only has Sylvia disguised herself, but Dorante, too, has dressed as his valet to spy on his soon-to-be-wife. The results are amusingly charming, and the love and obsession that ensues warms the heart.
Brandy McClendon plays Lisette, the half dimwitted, half sarcastic servant to Sylvia, in her Madison Repertory Theatre debut. Her antics and mockery are delightful as she is wooed by the hilarious valet, Harlequin, played by Harry Bouvy, also new to the Madison Rep stage.
Bouvy could not have portrayed a better “jester,” literally flying around the stage and over-exaggerating every movement he made. But his passion and ridiculous flattery of Lisette made them a good match. Darrow, as Dorante, also did a fine job in his role of the love-struck leading man.
Mark E. Gladue did an excellent job as Sylvia’s sassy and scheming brother Mario, while John Bakos, as their father Orgon, gave an equally feisty performance. Both men encouraged the swapping of roles between these four lovers, and in one of the more humorous scenes of the show, they looked through binoculars and a telescope from around the corner to snoop on their unknowing lovebirds.
A charming set design, which included multiple candles, paintings and a stage-long mirror, added to the nature of this performance. The show has a “fluffy” feel to it, and the set did nothing but embrace the dreamlike spirit of the show. A three-piece musical ensemble also added to the atmosphere throughout the production, offering a very natural and tasteful touch to the show. All-around, the set design and lighting, along with the musical accompaniment, were a perfect fit.
Along with this romantic comedy’s debut, the Madison Rep gave a sneak peak of the upcoming 2003-2004 theatre season, its 15th season, which will include one new musical, six new American plays and two world premieres. More information is to come, of course, when the 2003-2004 season premieres with the Fall Festival of the Future Sept. 5.
Until then, enjoy the spring, and stop on by the Isthmus Theatre for “The Game of Love and Chance.”
Tickets are on sale at the Civic Center Ticket Office, with half-price student tickets available with your student ID. “The Game of Love and Chance” runs through May 4.
