Reviewed by Judy Richter
As adapted and directed by Lillian
Groag, Pierre
Marivaux's
"The Triumph of Love" was a triumph in its recent outdoor production at California
Shakespeare Theater.
Now that the production has moved to co-producer San Jose Repertory Theatre's indoor venuer, it seems even
better. The smaller space with more consistent acoustics (no coyotes in the
hills or jets overhead) gives it greater intimacy and allows the actors to be
more subtle with no loss of clarity. Furthermore, the actors have had a chance
to hone their performances during the Cal Shakes run and subsequent rehearsals
in San Jose.
Stacy
Ross is even
more impressive than she was at Cal Shakes, surpassing what was a near tour de
force in her role as the quick-witted Princess Leonide of Sparta, who disguises
herself as a man, Phocion, to win the heart of Agis (Jud Williford). The rightful prince of Sparta,
Agis has been hidden at the home of unmarried siblings Hermocrates (Dan
Hiatt) and
Leontine (Domenique Lozano). Leonide is accompanied by her lady-in-waiting, Corine
(Catherine Castellanos), also disguised as a man. Completing the cast are commedia dell
arte character Arlecchino (Danny Scheie) and the siblings' gardener, Dimas (Ron
Campbell). All
surpass their fine Cal Shakes performances. Even Scheie and Campbell have toned
down their antics, though not always enough
The
topnotch designs are the same: set by Kate Edmunds, gorgeous costumes by Raquel
Barreto,
lighting by Russell H. Champa and sound by Jeff Mockus.
Timothy
Near, San Jose
Rep artistic director, and Jonathan Moscone, her counterpart at Cal Shakes,
have found their collaboration so rewarding that are planning to continue it.
Not only does such collaboration save both companies precious money in staging
the classics, but it gives their respective audiences a chance to see the
outstanding work each theater is doing. "The Triumph of Love" is a
great way to start.
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