Bask in the warmth and enchantment of Italy without leaving Seattle during Taproot Theatre Company’s production of Enchanted April. Elizabeth von Arnim’s resplendent 1920s novel comes to life on stage in this Tony Award-nominated play by Matthew Barber. The enticement of an enchanting Italian holiday captivates the hearts of two British housewives on a drizzly London afternoon in 1922, and fills their imaginations with wisteria and sunshine. By the time they arrive at their Mediterranean villa, an aging matron and a young socialite have joined their quest for something more. The gardens, sea, cinnamon and pasta are just the beginning of the transformation they discover. Enchanted April, directed by associate artistic director Karen Lund, opens on September 25 and runs through October 24 with low-price previews on September 23 & 24, plus a pay-what-you-can performance on September 30.
Adapted first for the stage in 1925 and for film in 1935, von Arnim’s novel was also the basis for the popular 1992 film, the DVD of which was just released this year. This stage play based on von Arnim’s novel was originally produced in February 2000 by the
Hartford Stage Company in Connecticut, and produced on Broadway in April 2003 at the Belasco Theatre, with
Molly Ringwald as Rose Arnott.
Ultimately a story of escaping to a place of beauty and being transformed, the play begins in Great Britain just a few years after World War I, in a time of darkness and devastation, when people are still dealing with the great losses from the war.
“There’s this need to get away,” said Lund. “For all four of the women, there’s an amazing transformation that happens once they get to Italy where there’s sun, flowers and fresh air, and a new way of looking at life. It’s almost magical how the sunshine and fresh air brings them back to life emotionally, spiritually and sexually.”
“We’re in some really difficult times right now,” said Lund, “and it’s easy to be discouraged and disheartened. And so to come back to what gives us hope and the drive to keep moving forward is very inspiring. It’s a reminder that things can be restored—that marriages, happiness and balance can be restored.”
Taproot Theatre’s production features
Jeff Berryman,
Ryan Childers,
Aaron Finley, Llysa Holland,
Anne Kennedy, Kim Morris, Charity Parenzini and Nikki Visel. The production team includes scenic and sound designer Mark Lund, costume designer Sarah Burch Gordon and lighting designer Mon
Ty Taylor. Anne Hitt serves as stage manager, Gin Hammond as dialect coach and Katrina Moore as dramaturg.
After Enchanted April, Taproot Theatre presents the world premiere of Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Carol by Seattle playwright
John Longenbaugh. (November 20-December 30).
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