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An ‘enchanting’ end to any evening
(by Elizabeth Martin - April 09, 2008)
The Studio Players of Upper Montclair’s production of “Enchanted April” is a funny, sweet little slice of theatre that would be the perfect dessert to anyone’s date night. The play is a comedy of words and manners, with a few running gags and jokes thrown in. It is also intelligent enough to keep from being too sticky sweet with sappy emotion.
The feel of the story and the type of humor are slightly reminiscent of the work of Oscar Wilde, though the characters have a wholly different quality. The action of the story is dominated by the strong women the play lovingly portrays.
Written by Matthew Barber, and based on the novel by Elizabeth von Arnim, “Enchanted April” is the journey of two women who find themselves in similar predicaments in their lives in opposite ways. They make a quick deci-sion to rent an Italian villa for a holiday away from their husbands and depressing marriages. Theirs is the story of the good that can come of jumping into life and not knowing where you’ll land.
The play is a period piece, set after World War I, and yet it seems a modern, relateable story. Rachel Bitney and Jacqueline Schreiber of Parsippany make Charlotte “Lotty” Wilton and Rose Arnott feeling, compelling women. They are funny in a most natural sort of way. Their jokes are not forced — rather seem the course of the dialogue and action.
The transformations of their characters over the course of the play resounded throughout the whole of their performances to create thoroughly sympathetic and believable characters.
These two leading ladies were supported by the equally impressive efforts of Sarah Pharaon, playing Lady Caroline Bramble; Sandy Robertson, playing Mrs. Graves — who bears great resemblance to Lady Bracknel from Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest” — and Carla Zackson-Heller, playing Costanza, who speaks nothing but Italian. Three excellent actors, Chris Mayer, playing Lotty’s husband, Mellersh; Robert Barwick, playing Rose’s husband, Frederick; and Travis Garcia, playing Antony Wilding, rounded out the cast.
All of the actors showed a high level of commitment to the quality production, as evident through their attention to small details and the depth of their performances.
The high production value was as equally impressive as the acting. Their set proved that the choice of simplicity for certain scenes and elaborate for others, was just that, a conscious choice made by an intelligent director and set designer. From costumes that did more than just clothe the performer, to simple, yet powerful, lighting techniques and sound effects, the Studio Players had all technical aspects polished.
It is rare that the opportunity exists to see entirely volunteer-based community theatre of such professional cali-ber. Even with gas prices as high as they are, the drive to the Studio Player’s Playhouse in Montclair is well worth the sense of enchantment this delightful little play elicits.
“Enchanted April” runs April 10, 11 and 12, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Studio Playhouse, 14 Alvin Place, Upper Montclair. The show is directed by Mark Liebert. Tickets cost $18 for adults, $15 for students and seniors age 65 and up with discounts available for groups of 20 or more that prepay. To reserve tickets in advance, call the box office at 973-744-9752. Studio Playhouse is located at 14 Alvin Place, off Valley Road near the A&P, in Upper Montclair.
Photos courtesy of Amy Fox
Photo 1: Frederick, Robert Barwick, reconciles with his wife, Rose, Jacqueline Schreiber of Parsippany.
Photo 2: The dashing Mr. Wilding, Travis Garcia, serves tea to the ladies renting his castle for April. From left, Mrs. Graves, Sandy Robertson, Lotty, Rachel Bitney, and Rose, Jacqueline Schreiber of Parsippany.
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