Review: Theater Project Presents Sparkling Production of THE LIAR

Brunswick's Theater Project has mounted a sparkling production of David Ives' version of Pierre Corneille's The Liar, offering the audience a rare treat to be able to enjoy this seventeenth century comedy in Ives' witty, linguistically rich "translaptation." Not only is the choice of such a sophisticated play to be applauded, but the professional company does the work proud!

Ives has not only translated Corneille's brilliant comedy of manners, but he has adapted some of the characters and situations to the present, at the same time that he maintains the rapid-fire versified wit in eloquent, piquant, rhyming iambic pentameter (rather than Corneille's customary alexandrines). The playwright also knows how to shift the balance subtly from period images and language to modern colloquialisms, which give an added dimension of ironic humor, and he peppers the script with borrowings from Shakespeare and other literary references, as well as groaningly funny imperfect rhymes that are delicious for a savvy audience.

Directed with élan by Christopher Price, who also designed the simple, but elegant décor, the play moves at a break-neck clip which adds to its breathless amusement. One has to listen attentively to keep up with the madcap capers, and this adds to the enjoyment. Price also has staged the action stylishly, with clever choreographic movement such as in the mock fencing duel all the funnier for the fact that the rapiers remain unsheathed.

Period costumes by Wendy Poole are inventive and colorful with outlandish wigs, especially for the ladies, and JP Gagnon's lighting palette complements the design effectively. James Futter provides the more contemporary soundscape which serves as further counterpoint in this "modernized" version.

The cast is dominated by the virtuoso performance of Robbie Harrison in the title role of the inveterate liar, Dorante, who dashes his way through the play with one charming mensonge after another, turning the lies into a captivating form of art. His linguistic delivery is fluent and energetic; he captures the mercurial swings of the character and changes masks with insouciant ease. Heather Weafer makes a coy and worldly-wise Clarice, her delivery a fine balance between the ironic and the flirtatious. As her friend Lucrece, Molly Bryant Roberts offers a nice counterpoint of practical cynicism, revealing a softer side only at the end.

Keith Anctil makes an amusing, plain-talking servant Cliton, whose sarcastic asides and sotto voce commentary add to the double entendres. David Butler is an imposing father Geronte, and Craig Ela a endearingly bumbling Alcippe. Lee K. Page does a good job at characterizing the contrasting pair of twin maids, Isabelle and Sabine, and Karin Baard acquits herself convincingly in the trouser role of Philiste, though neither of these actresses uses the heightened diction of the other principals.

The production, sure to enliven the winter blues, regrettably plays for only nine performances. Theater Project is to be commended not only for the fine quality of their work here, but for the willingness to take on classic repertoire (albeit in a modern update) and to present a play that requires the intelligence and engagement of the audience, as well as the company.

Photos Courtesy The Theater Project

The Liar runs at The Theater Project, 14 School Street, Brunswick, ME from January 26-February 13, 2016. 207-729-8584 www.theaterproject.com

To post a comment, you must register and login.