Dana Ivey, Frances Barber, Helen Cedpedes
Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s “The School for Scandal” is unquestionably
a masterpiece of 18th century artificiality. It is easy enough to cloak its pretentions
in pure synthetic theatricality but it is more rewarding and fun to see this
view of Restoration high life when presented as winningly as it is by the Red
Bull Theater now at the Lucille Lortel Theater. And what could be more
difficult for a contemporary actor in a play such as this than to flit and
flirt amidst yards of ruffles and lace while maintaining the validity and
integrity of two centuries removed characters. It’s good to report that it is
also the human side of metaphor-strewn Old England that shines through under Marc
Vietor’s direcion.
As a result, the grace and humor of the play’s characters come
through, especially watching the incessantly disapproving Sir Peter Teazle (Mark
Linn-Baker) wrangle with his incorrigible child bride (Helen Cespedes.) We are
given plenty of opportunities to identify with the men those “unconscionable
dogs,” and the distaff “daughters of calumny” that Sheridan satirically
reproves with such wit and polish. Bravi to this company for making Sheridan’s
glitteringly dialogued expose of London’s polite society from being much more
than an over dressed convention of relentless boors and tiresome
scandalmongers.
Costume designer Andrea Lauer knew she had better utilize
all the extravagant and colorful ruffles, laces, satins, silks and multi-colored
powdered wigs to measure up to the obligatory scenery-chewing performances that
do all but devour the modest but elegant scenery - mostly moving panels - as
designed by Anna Louizos. While some members of the company are more skilled
than others in the meticulously schooled art of sniffing/snuffing, mincing and
raising of the eyebrows, there is a general consensus that the appropriate attitude
is sufficient. It’s almost enough to see how the mastery of lines and asides nicely
conveys the form and elegance of Sheridan’s world.
Standout among the company is Dana Ivey, who, not surprisingly,
is a joy to watch as the gossipy Mrs. Candour and like the others in her social
circle, doesn’t slip into caricature but rather reveals the formalized
naturalism that must exist in equal measure with the period’s affectations. Aside
from Baker, Ivey and Cespedes, others
who appear as equally accomplished haute farceurs are Frances Barber as the
rich and ribald Lady Sneerwell, Jacob Dresch, as a really slinky gossip
columnist Mr. Snake and Ryan Garbayo as his obnoxious protégé cum society poet
Sir Benjamin Backbite.
The always terrific Henry Stram nails the more subtly of decorous
mannerisms as Sir Oliver Surface. You may be hard pressed not to laugh aloud
every time a gong rings announcing the arrival of Punjabi family friend Master
Ranji (Ramsey Faragallah). But stifling laughs is almost a must if you want to
hear all the lines. Sheridan’s play exposes disguises, deceptions, and
dishonesties without obscenities. That’s quite a feat and with this lovely
production we see how his spirit is kept alive.
“The School for Scandal” (through May 8, 2016
Lucille Lortel Theatre, Christopher Street
For tickets ($80.00 & $100.00) call (212) 924 - 2817
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