By June April

HARTFORD — Enchanted April is splendid in every aspect: the acting, the story, the sets, lighting and the direction; and it has a message to impart as well. This should go on a “must see” list. The world premier of Enchanted April, by Matthew Barber from the novel by Elizabeth von Arnim, continues at Hartford Stage through March 26. The story is timeless, concerning four women who share a month together at an extraordinarily beautiful Italian villa.

With this production, Hartford Stage’s artistic director Michael Wilson continues to elevate and entertain audiences with his directorial talents. He orchestrates his productions with dramatic flare and nuance.

Opening with thunder and lightening, three figures stand on a darkened stage holding umbrellas, reminding one of the opening images of Public Television’s Mystery Theatre.

Stage lighting is elevated to an art form in this production. Rui Rita, the lighting designer, received recognition most recently in 1999 when he won the Princess Grace Award. His dynamic visual skills heightened the tensions in Hartford Stage’s previous play, Dutchman, and his talent continues to shine this month.

The other bright light in the artistic team for Enchanted April is the Tony Award-winning set designer Tony Straiges. Save for the non-existent wisteria, Mr Straiges’ was a set that brought “aaahs” from the audience, and rightly so.

Costuming was another key element that spoke of the character it covered (or hardly covered, in some cases). Jess Goldstein’s creations may not have always been flattering to the female form, albeit at that post-Victorian time, one saw the birth of many new directions of women’s attire. For Hartford, Mr Goldstein beautifully captured the state of being of the women and their inner being.

It was admirable acting throughout, in timing, body movement, and elocution. Extraordinary attention to phrasing, clarity and nuances seem to be part of Mr Wilson’s gifts as a director, and that is a talent too rarely experienced.

The effervescent Lotty Wilton is captivatingly played by Isabel Keating. She and Cristopher Duva (who is the owner of the villa/castle, Wilding) are the current that sweep along the lives of the other people in that world.

Enid Graham’s character, Rose Arnott, comes alive before our eyes and her philandering husband, portrayed by the actor Christopher Donahue, ends up redeeming himself. Bravo.

The rigid and pained Victorian dowager Mrs Graves is regally played by Jill Tanner. The Italian antithesis, Costanza, is earthy and comical. Hers is the role of a diamond-in-the-rough and Irma St Paule shines in that role. She is a very fine character actor.

Stephanie March’s elegance and carriage allow her to embrace the wounded, wealthy role of Lady Caroline. Her coolness, restraint and forward fashion statements mask the needy child that is still very much alive within her.

Mellersh Wilton (John Hines) is a pompous, controlling husband whose life is appropriately turned about by his devoted and loving wife. Mr Hines received his masters from the Yale Drama School and his craft has been masterfully honed. He was one of the brightest lights in this stellar cast. The multi-faceted nature of his role allows for comic relief, tenderness, bullying and much posturing.

Go see Enchanted April, and read the program well, for there is much interesting information therein about the author, Elizabeth von Arnim, whose own life is material for a play.

(For tickets and additional information call the Hartford Stage box office at 860/525-5151. Tickets run from $17.50 to $43. The box office can offer details on remaining show times, which continue through March 26.)