Whenever a chef tries a new recipe, you worry. Will it satisfy?
As Everyman Theater Artistic Director Vincent Lancisi detailed the extensive ingredients for the play “The School for Scandal” ? 19 actors in 28 roles (the largest cast ever for Everyman), 36 costumes, 25 wigs, five sets and 148 props ? one began to wonder if the little Charles Street “kitchen” could handle it all. Would this souffle-dramatis go flop?
Happily, no, and happy was certainly the mood of the audience as it delivered a standing ovation at the close of the opening performance for this 18th-century comedy of manners that founding father George Washington counted among his favorite plays.
It is clear from the high level of energy permeaing a stage that literally moves with each change of scene that the cast is reveling in this romp, originally penned by Irish playwright and politician Richard Brinsley Sheridan and first produced nearly 230 years ago.
With its mix of mistaken identifies, witty dialogue, family strife and love lost and won again, it echoes Shakespeare?s comedies, minus the iambic pentameter. By curtain?s fall, everyone is appropriately paired, justice is done, hypocrisy vanquished and everything very “happily ever after.”
“The School for Scandal” is also reminiscent of Charles Dickens and that author?s tendency to lend insight into his characters? character through their names. Bruce Nelson brings a delightfully slimy presence to Mr. Snake and is wonderfully over-the-top as the lisping backbiter Benjamin Backbite. Helen Hedman as Lady Sneerwell, sneers well, and Megan Anderson as Lady Teazle could teach Anna Nicole Smith a thing or two about how to marry for money but still exude charm and grace.
The rest of the cast seems perfectly suited to their roles, like veteran performer Will Love as Sir Oliver Surface, the rich uncle who arrives in London incognito to discern which of his two nephews is more deserving of his inheritance. Love makes the act of indignant cheek puffery a true art form.
Beyond the bountiful bevy of bon mots that abound in this play, there?s still a lesson to be learned from which today?s tabloid society could clearly benefit ? telling tales out of school is the business of rogues and should not be condoned, beyond the realm of the stage anyway, where “The School for Scandal” is most definitely in session … at the Everyman through Dec. 17.
IF YOU GO
“The School for Scandal,” adapted by Michael Bawtree
» Venue: Everyman Theatre, 1727 N. Charles St., Baltimore
» Times: Through Dec. 17
» Tickets: $17 to $30. Call 410-752-2208 or visit www.everymantheatre.org
