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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1992-07-22, Page 26PAGE 26. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 1992. Theatre review Play’s storyline has universal appeal Love’s Little Games From left to right: Diego Matamoros as the King of Navarre, Jeffrey Kuhn as Dumaine, CoIm Feore as Berowne, and Paul Miller as Longaville in William Shakespeare's amusing exchange of Love's Labour's Lost playing at the Stratford Festival Theatre. BY LARRY CARDIFF Love's Labour's Lost is not only one of Shakespeare's earliest romantic comedies, but it is per­ haps one of his 'deeper' comedies. Beneath the laughter and the 16th century equivalent of one-liners, there is the serious lesson of life being an ongoing education. The King of Navarre, and three of his lords, Dumaine, Longaville and Berowne, swear an oath to study for three years, during which time no woman shall be allowed within their court. We know this 'ideal' is doomed to failure even before the arrival of the Princess of France and three of her ladies. Within minutes of meeting, the gentlemen suddenly loose interest in their oath to study, and the men and women reform into four pairs of wooing couples. All pretensions are lost as the four embarrassed gentlemen first attempt to resist and then deny love. What results is an amusing game of thrust and parry, as the four men, Drayton Festival presents ‘Pirates’ After the phenominal success of last year's run away hit Pirates Of Penzance, The Drayton Festival Theatre will be presenting another Gilbert and Sullivan classic musical comedy with its production of The Mikado. Alex Mustakas, The Drayton Festival Theatre's Artistic Director, will once again be in the director's chair for what is certainly the most highly acclaimed of all Gilbert and Sullivan works. The Mikado will amuse and captivate audiences of all ages from August 4 to 29. For tickets please call (519) 638-5555 or visit The Drayton Festival Theatre Box Office at 33 Wellington Street, Drayton. although equally matched in station with the four women, are taught a thing or two about life by the ladies. The four men revert to childish ploys and arguments, but for every scheme they devise, the women always manage to come out on top. The merriment ends when a French lord, Marcade, brings news of the King of France's death. The emotional tone of the play changes instantly as the ladies prepare to depart. The women apologize for their ridicule and vows are exchanged for a renewed courtship in one year's time. The play ends, unlike most comedies, with no marriages, but we are given an indication that the men are ready to leave behind one age and progress towards maturity. The cast of Love's Labour's Lost virtually abounds with great actors; all of whom looked like they were truly enjoying themselves on stage; but like all performances there are some who shine far above the oth­ ers. Colm Feore is truly amazing as Berowne, the world-wise Lord who discovers the truth, that the four men really don't have life all worked out. His presence on stage overshadows all others whether the focus is upon him or not. William Vickers provides a truly comical performance as the country bumpkin, Costard, who can't deliv­ er two messages without getting them mixed, but who has a deeper understanding of what is going on than the four gentleman. Lucy Peacock is thoroughly charming as the Princess of France, with her coy and mischievous wit. Her ladies, played by Alison Sealy- Smith (Rosaline), Claire Rankin (Katharine) and Michelle Fisk (Maria) are just as provocative and appealing. Tom Wood brings forth a com­ manding performance as Boyet, a lord attending on the princess, who enjoys the jests of his ladies to the extent of aiding and abetting in their schemes. Marion Day, in an inspired piece of casting, plays the page, Moth. Moth is not only very precocious beyond his years, but maintains a very observant understanding of the goings-on of his elders. One might question the historical accuracy of the play with its changed time setting of the turn of this century, but it does not inter- fere with the play's basic story-line. The ideal of 'love conquering all' does have a universal appeal that spans beyond all time limitations. Christina Poddubiuk's set, a sim­ ple arrangement of a large tree and tree-fort crammed with books, serves to compliment the produc­ tion. It brings instantly to mind a world of boyish youth, which truly emphasizes the play's plot of four grown men trying to preserve their fading boyhood. Directed by Marti Maraden, Love's Labour's Lost will be play­ ing at the Stratford Festival Theatre through to October 18. The audi­ ence was literally roaring with laughter at many of the comical exchanges, and for a thoroughly enjoyable evening I cannot strongly recommend it enough. Engagement HIEMPEL - STADELMANN John and Sheron Stadelmann of Blyth, are pleased to announce the forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Christine to David, son of Harvey and Sandra Hiempel of Wroxeter. The wedding will take place Saturday, August 1,1992 at 4 p.m. at the Blyth United Church. ENGAGEMENT Engagement LEE ■■ MARKS Mr. and Mrs. Robert Marks and Mr. and Mrs. Ken Lee wish to announce the forthcoming marriage of their children, Bobbi Jo and Kevin John. The wedding will take place Saturday, July 25, 1992 at 3:30 at Knox Presbyterian Church, Goderich. Reception to follow at the Blyth Community Centre. Engagement TEDESCO - NETHERY Denise Nethery and Bill Tedesco are pleased to announce their forthcoming marriage on July 25, 1992 at Trinity Anglican Church, Belgrave. Denise Is the daughter of Jean and the late W. Alex Nethery. Bill is the son of Darlene Campbell and William Tedesco. Friends are welcome to the reception at Brussels Community Centre. STAFFEN-GLOUSHER Lloyd and Shirley Giousher of Blyth are pleased to announce the forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Colleen Lynn, to John Edward Staffen, son of Glen and Shirley Staffen of Seaforth. The wedding will take place at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 1, 1992 at the Egmondville United Church in Egmondville. An open reception will follow at Seaforth Legion at 9:00 p.m. Happy 25th July 22 Dean & Krista Engagement VINCENT - MARTENE The families of Kari and Jeff are pleased to announce the forthcoming marriage of their children. Ceremony will take place at Londesboro United Church Saturday, August 1 at 3:00 p.m. Open reception to follow at Seaforth Community Centre at 8:00 p.m. DOUBLE^BINGO *4335.00 IN PRIZE MONEY DOUBLE PROGRAM $8,670.00 *1500.00 JACKPOT MUST GO ON EACH PROGRAM LAST SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH BEGINNING JULY 25,1992 at the GODERICH COLUMBUS CENTRE 390 Parsons Court Doors open 5:30 P.M. Food Available.