Elaborate Victorian language and modern slang. Semi-circular backdrop of 20th century abstract frolicking nudes (on -- could it be -- burlap?) cut out between one nude's legs as an entrance to a boudoir with old fashioned chaise. Contemporary glitzy black pants suit for Anna and sequin-topped pink evening gown on Claire, waited on by maid Catherine, with a lace-curtain apron over black swaddling cloths. Everything's mixed up with a parcel of artsy, once-innovative techniques that now simply make a mess. Not that Norah Sweeney, despite her youth, isn't quick-tongued and imposing as Anna, who has submitted to a sugar daddy to keep her and lover Claire (way too cute Lesslie Crane) in style. But Claire has the hots for a much younger gal and wants to use Anna's home and even the old lover herself to aid in a seduction. This gives Anna one more of seemingly endless topics to opine upon in grandiose terms and tones. She directs her main sarcasm, however, toward a new serving girl, ostensibly stoic Scottish Catherine. Believing her to be Irish, Anna constantly berates Catherine as if she's voiced a score of grievances common to immigrants from the old, diseased sod. Catherine has her own unconventional sexual desires, it is revealed, though not easily. That's because Mariam Habib, who looks as Scottish as Turhan Bey, speaks with an almost totally incomprehensible accent. She does, however, move and freeze well, in turn. She's also adept at moving furniture, as if dancing - once with stage hands and hoisting a chandelier over a table on which one of them inexplicably tosses silver dust. At least it's a relief from the blah, blah, blah. The Boston Marriage I attended and liked in London a few years ago seems totally divorced from this wrong Florida rite.
Opened:
January 5, 2005
Ended:
January 23, 2005
Country:
USA
State:
Florida
City:
Sarasota
Company/Producers:
Florida State University - Asolo Conservatory
Theater Type:
Regional
Theater:
Cook Theater at Florida State University Center for the Performing Arts
Theater Address:
5555 North Tamiami Trail
Phone:
(941) 351-8000
Running Time:
2 hrs
Genre:
Comedy
Director:
Margaret Eginton
Review:
Cast:
Norah Sweeney, Lesslie Dodge Crane, Mariam Habib
Technical:
Sets & Lights: James Florek; Costumes: Cathleen Crocker-Perry; Sound/Tech Dir: Richard Girtain; Vocal Coach: Patricia Delorey; Stage Mgr: Melissa Webb
Critic:
Marie J. Kilker
Date Reviewed:
January 2005
