Date: Fri 27-Jun-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: SHANNO

Quick Words:

Helen-Yale-Cabaret-theatre

Full Text:

(rev "Helen!" @Yale Summer Cabaret, 6/27/97)

Theatre Review-

For Food & Flippers, `Helen' Is Golden; Otherwise, A Flop

(with photo)

BY JUNE APRIL

NEW HAVEN - One of the draws of Yale Summer Cabaret Theatre is the fare. Chef

Kristyn LaPlante seems to be better than ever, offering an interesting menu,

preparing tasty food and having reasonable prices.

So even if the play doesn't quite make it, one still feels satisfied.

Opening YSC's 23rd season is Helen , a farcical production in the classic

tradition. Directed and adapted by Preston Lane, this serves as the former

artistic director's farewell offering.

Conceptually amusing, Helen tries hard to be entertaining. It only

occasionally succeeds.

Unfortunately, Mr Lane's usually richly creative mind seems occupied

elsewhere. Tired and trivial humor abound, and too many groaners push the

audience's patience. Spoiled as those of us are who have seen the wit and

wisdom in Mr Lane's past productions, this opening presentation is not up to

his usual standards.

The idea was to give a new, farcical and comic slant to the story of the love

between Paris and Helen of Troy. Based very, very loosely on the play written

by Euripides, this adaptation takes place in Cleveland-by-the-Lake and is

stuffed full of kielbasa jokes and polkas.

Costumes are minimal and (sometimes) "fitting," and the garish and bizarre

choices do fit with the characters, and with the nature of the play.

This reviewer would love to see Vivian Keh, who plays Athena, the King's

strange and manipulative kind of psychic sister, portray the lead in Rashamon

. Ms Keh is a classic beauty and shows great talents.

As the confused, maligned and unhappy "real" Helen, Adrienne Carter does what

best any actress can with an "ah-duh" type role. This is definitely not a play

for feminists to see.

Playing four different roles, Johnny Sparks is actually the highlight of the

evening. As the irate professor attempting to guide the play into the

direction of historical reality, or Helen's eunich, the old sailor, or the

King of Cleveland-by-the-Lake, Mr Sparks is outstanding. His rapid costume

changes are reminiscent of Irma Vep, and varying voices and accents set this

gentleman at a higher level than the play itself. One might consider going to

see Helen just to see him in action.

The wronged husband Menelaus, played to the hilt by Josh Grubb, delivers

one-liners like an old-time vaudevillian with a fine sense of timing. Walking

around in an inner tube and flippers is something of an accomplishment in

itself.

Even if Helen as a production is not.

( Helen continues until June 28. Call Yale Summer Cabaret, 432-1567, for

tickets, curtain times.)