BWW Reviews: Spark Theater's DANGEROUS LIAISONS

Sex, drugs, deceit...and delicious dialogue!

The challenge: start a New Theatre Company (which is a feat in and of itself), think big and start with a classic, and then produce it in the smallest space I have ever seen! I must admit that my curiosity was peaked since the first email announcing Dangerous Liaisons. I absolutely adore the movie (starring Glenn Close and John Malkovich) and was very interested to see it translated to the stage. "We must see what we can devise for your amusement" really encompasses the malicious theme of this fabulous play!

The experience is what I would call a "living scene," where the audience is actually onstage and part of the action. The 30-seat venue provides an intimate feeling. Hmm. Perhaps "intimate" isn't the best description. When the performers are almost literally in your lap it makes it a bit...shall we say..."incestuous," a far more fitting term considering the first three words that kicked off this review. The lighting - installed specifically for this show - consists of four simple chandeliers. When I spoke with the artistic director, he told me that they will transform the space for each upcoming production. With such a minimalist production as Dangerous Liaisons (set, lighting, seating), something besides the immediate environment must be emphasized to help illustrate the story. Besides the stellar acting, this was accomplished with costuming, graciously provided by the CU-Boulder Theatre Costume Department. The costumes were appropriately gorgeous, accentuating each scene with color and movement. And with the very intimate seating, the costumes and props provided a tactile experience as well.

I must commend director Michael Emmitt on his utilitarian decision to use performers dressed as servants to change the minimalist set. Thoughtful touches like this, along with the genius of having the program presented to each audience member in a wax sealed envelope, only added to the sensory experience of being immersed in the story. I also love that there was never a break on stage; there was constant overlapping of scenes that added a wonderful fluid element to the show and kept a pace that matched the ever-turning plot.

While the whole cast did an exceptional job, Nils Swanson as Valmont and Haley Johnson as Madame de Merteuil deserve special kudos for a job well done. These two commanded the stage and had magnificent chemistry, a necessary component given the tricky manipulation dynamic between the two characters.

This is very much an adult show not only because of the nudity and adult situations, but also because of the elevated and educated use of language. I thoroughly enjoyed the cunning wit and deft delivery of this piece, as did everyone around me. Unfortunatley kids may likely be lost as to what's going on, and probably be bored, too. This show is an excellent opportunity to get out for an evening and have some grown-up fun!

If Dangerous Liaisons is any indication, Spark Theater Company will be one to watch, with several intriguing offerings in the works for this year. Check out these titles: Rear Window, Shakespeare's Two Gentlemen of Verona, Casual Encounters/Missed  Connections (inspired by personal ads on Craigslist), and Three Sisters by Chekov. I must congratulate Spark on such an exceptional production. I am personally looking forward to what is to come!

Dangerous Liaisons by Christopher Hampton (adapted from the novel Les Liaisons Dangereuses by Choderlos de Laclos) is playing now through May 22nd at the Spark Studio located at 240 South Broadway in Denver. Given the limited seating at Spark Studio, performances will sell out fast, so don't delay. For tickets or information on this new company and their show lineup, contact the box office at www.sparktheater.org or call 303-319-1342.

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