Date: Fri 12-Dec-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: JUDYC

Quick Words:

Candida-Shaw-April-Yale-Rep

Full Text:

(rev "Candida" @Yale Rep, 12/12/97)

Theatre Review--

Rep's Presentation Would Make Even G.B. Shaw Proud

(with cut)

By June April

NEW HAVEN -- Would that the brilliant wit of George Bernard Shaw find its

match with a director that breathes belief into the play's characters, then it

is theatre of meaning, entertainment and purpose. With Candida , Yale

Repertory Theatre's current offering, it moves in that direction, but falls

short of the total realization.

Housed in a magnificent setting regally designed by Marc Anthony Mileto, the

cast, however, especially the two women, would make the critical GBS proud.

As the adored character of the title role, Kathleen McNenny commands the stage

with her persona and her lovely elocution. Her empathy to all the males in her

life is not without comparison to today's women, who are still the backbone of

households and society; what Shaw would call the "life force."

The efficient but frustrated secretary to Candida's husband, the (Most)

Reverend James Mavor Morell is beautifully portrayed by Blair Sams. This

talented actress has a strong comic sense and it plays well in this character.

George Ede's face is one any sculptor or painter would be drawn to because it

is theatrical. Roles from Santa Claus to Treasure Island pirate would all be

suitable to that visage. He is wonderful as Candida's greedy and rather

debauched father. The actor's one problem is the occasional muttering of some

of his lines, yet that is partially "in character."

The handsome and distinguished James McDonnell is a most suitable choice for

the fallible Reverend. His voice is rich with the overtones of one who knows

how to recite Shakespeare.

Somehow the direction for the other two male roles, the Reverend Alexander

Mill (Jamison Selby) and the mewling, love-struck young poet Eugene Marchbanks

(Alan Tudyk), falls short of the rest of the cast. Be it the direction or the

actors, the finger pointing is not clear. What is painfully obvious is that a

grotesque caricature is what is portrayed by Tudyk as Marchbanks. Marchbanks

metamorphoses into a more believable character somewhere well into the second

act, but alas, it is too late, for the damage has been done.

Successfully completing her master of fine arts this spring, costume designer

Cristina Ruales-Desrosiers has created a magically rich wardrobe for the cast.

The colors and accuracy of the attire is what one would expect from a Martin

Scorsese production.

Credit to Aaron Copp, whose lighting effects added appropriate ambiance to the

set and heightened the beauty of the sitting room/office.

Credit also goes to artistic director, and in this case director, Stan

Wojewodski, Jr for selecting this play. It is a punchingly light-hearted treat

for the holiday season.

For those who have not experienced Candida , this play is worth the price of

the ticket. Shaw's universality and timeless perspectives are as penetratingly

reasonable as when they were first written.

One of the ongoing fascinations many have found in Shaw is his use of

language. Is the heroine's name a statement about sincerity, clarity and

candor? Is the right reverend, Reverend Morell, moral or moralistic?

Candida continues through December 20. Tickets may be purchased directly from

Yale's box office, at the corner of York and Chapel streets, or by telephone

at 432-1234. Prices range from $25 to $32. Box office hours are 10 am to 5 pm,

Monday through Saturday.