Date: Fri 17-Jul-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: SHIRLE

Quick Words:

Rivals-Players-theatre-April

Full Text:

(rev "The Rivals" @Town Players)

Theatre Review--

18th Century Wit Of Sheridan Still Funny Today

(with cut)

By June April

What is quite remarkable about The Rivals , the current production by

Newtown's Town Players, is how much was created (and how well) with so little.

With a ludicrously low budget ($1,700) to cover costumes, a parking attendant,

materials, etc., director Ruth Anne Baumgartner once again has created a

unique production that promises a delightful evening's entertainment.

The playwright Richard Brinksley Sheridan (1751-1816) was a man of many

talents. His comedies rank among the best of his time, with The Rivals (1775)

and School for Scandal, two years thereafter, still funny and witty for

today's audiences. He was also involved in the beginnings of what is now "the

musical."

The influence and connection to Restoration Theatre (post Puritan, about 1660

to early 1700s) is something of a legacy from which Sheridan drew and expanded

upon. Restoration Theatre peaked a half century before his birth. The

Irish-born Sheridan borrowed themes and characters from the bawdy period and

further satirized and molded the timing and farcical nature of the mannerisms

of the time.

The key to The Rivals, and the humor of this period, is the character Mrs

Malaprop. A "malapropism" is a humorous misapplication of a word or phrase.

Her affectations, both in speech and bearing, are superbly played by Leslie

Van Etten Broatch. Just to watch her parade through her part is worth the

price -- a minimal $10 -- of the ticket! (An interesting piece of trivia: the

work, malaprop, and its variants, was borne of this character.)

Also quite dashing and appropriately neurotic for the role of the

love-stricken Faulkland is the immensely multi-talented Alexander Kulcsar. The

clarity of the delivery of his lines, and his timing, is faultless, as it

usually is. When he is not creating sets or writing or directing, Mr Kulcsar

can be found on various stages in Fairfield County.

The familiar faces at The Little Theatre seem to be a repertory ensemble, for

the cast members are almost without exception in all of Ms Baumgartner's

productions.

Husband and wife in real life, Lucy Babbitt and Mark Frattaroli play lovers,

and they do send out sparks. Ms Babbit's character, Lydia Languish, is

addicted to silly, sentimental novels. The fulfillment of her fantasies causes

her suitor, Captain Absolute/a.k.a. Beverly, bizarre problems that he must

overcome to win her hand.

The blustering "pater" of the young Captain Absolute, is enthusiastically

portrayed by Rob Pawlikowski, who also designed the lighting for this

production. A thick Irish brogue is successfully used by Timothy Heubenthal as

the provocative Sir Lucius O'Trigger.

O'Trigger is a perfect foil to Bob Acres, a foppish fellow suitable portrayed

by Michael Stanley. As the letter- carrying-go-between servant Lucy, Joanne

Stanley (yes, they are husband and wife) plays the Molieresque servant who is

really much smarter than her employer.

The 16 thespians work together beautifully. Total cooperation was necessitated

for the workings of the delightful set. Kudos to Laura Evans for her set

design and decoration, along with her crew for its construction.

Applause also to the busy hands of Sue Mohyde, Lucy Frattaroli, Mary Kulcsar,

Mary Poile, Mary Stambaugh and Ruth Anne Baumgartner for the very fine

costumes they created.

The Rivals is Moliere, mixed with Woody Allen, and full of the travesties that

young love can create.

The Little Theatre is just off Route 25 in Newtown, in Orchard Hill Road. The

Rivals continues through August 1. For information and to reserve tickets,

call 270-9144. This is a play teens could enjoy as well as senior citizens.