David Ives vivid adaptation of Alexis Piron’s 18th century masterpiece La Métromanie is pure delight. Piron’s piece has five plots of no consequence that comes to us across four centuries, combining three sets of lovers, two writers and one mysterious poetess who is not at all what she seems. Imagine the best of Shakespeare combined with a dash of Noises Off with a whirlwind story told in more than two hours of rhyming couplets and you have a delicious frothy evening with the twist of a gin sour. Refreshing and perfect for Summer.
Shakespeare Theatre familiar favorites like Brent Harris as Francalou and John Ahlin as Baliveau provide delightful comic touches. Francalou is our interlocutor and the host for a weekend soiree of poesy. Baliveau is an experienced judge who may at first seem dour in reference and mien, but has a gleeful side that is pure delight.
Destined to be new favorites, Christian Frost is Damis, the would-be lawyer and erstwhile poet who is one of the primary engineers of action, with Austin Kirk as Mondor, Damis’s man, and Ty Lane as fellow noble Dorante we have the young bucks who are vying for the fairest of hands, yes there will be competition! Billie Wyatt is Lucille, Francalou’s daughter with newcomer Deshawn White as her lady’s maid Lisette, we know who has her finger on the pulse of all that is really happening.
Damis cannot get any traction on his own poems, so he “invents” a British poetess who becomes all the rage. Ah, sweet revenge! His host Francalou is smitten with the non-existent kitten, and vows to marry her! Damis is interested in Lucille as is Dorante. Dorante is truly in love with her but the suitors buzz when the dowry is sufficient. Mondor is a charming rogue who is continually trying to make time with Lisette, but she’s got little time for him with the machinations she devises to protect and to serve, while having some fun for herself. And where does Baliveau fit in? He has no idea that the nephew he’s supporting to study law is actually squandering that largesse to write bad poetry – yes, Damis is his nephew.
Confused yet? This is the 18th century version of a soap opera and it is juicy good fun, rife with physical humor and the gifted sight of director Brian B. Crowe. Creative team includes Dick Block’s spare and versatile set, Brian Russman’s delightful costume designs, Tony Galaska’s brilliant lighting all held together by Stage Manager Jackie Mariani. This is fast, flashy fun that everyone needs to see. The wit is so sharp, you are barking laughter at times and it is exactly what this end of Summer needs.
Make haste! Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s The Metromaniacs is in production through September 4! Reserve now at www.ShakespeareNJ.org, and listen well, you want to catch every delicious morsel.