Reviewed by Judy Richter
After hearing some gossip, an
upperclass Englishwoman thinks her husband is having an affair in Oscar
Wilde's "Lady
Windermere's Fan."
However, appearances aren't always what they seem in California Shakespeare
Theater's
elegant production of this witty satire on Victorian morality.
Lady
Windermere (Emily Kitchens) is about to celebrate her 21st birthday and receives a
lovely fan as a gift from her husband, Lord Windermere (Aldo Billingslea). They've been happily married
for two years and have a 6-month-old son. Her happiness is marred when an
afternoon visitor, the Duchess of Berwick (Danny Scheie), tells her that Lord Windermere
has been visiting a fallen woman, Mrs. Erlynne (Stacy Ross), and giving her large sums of
money.
Confirming
the outlays by ripping open his locked checkbook, Lady Windermere confronts her
husband. He says that nothing improper has happened and asks to her invite Mrs.
Erlynne to her birthday party that night.
When
she refuses, he writes the invitation himself, resulting in even more
unhappiness for his wife both then and at the party. Afterward the fan plays a
large role in the conclusion, but secrets remain unrevealed, allowing illusions
to continue.
Wilde
subtitled his work "A Play About a Good Woman." One would assume that
the good woman is Lady Windermere, but she could also be Mrs. Erlynne, who does
some great kindnesses for the unknowing Lady Windermere.
This
polished Cal Shakes production is artfully directed by Christopher Liam Moore
from the Oregon
Shakespeare Festival.
It features an elegant set by Annie Smart with complementary lighting by York Kennedy and sound by Will McCandless. The period costumes by Meg
Neville reflect
the rigidity of Victorian society with the women constrained by bustles and
corsets under their beautiful dresses.
The
cast is excellent, led by Kitchens as an increasingly upset Lady Windermere and
Billingslea as her husband. One telling aspect of their relationship becomes
especially clear in the final scenes when he often refers to his wife as
"my child," as if he doesn't see her as an equal partner in their
marriage even though he loves her.
The
first act is highlighted by the irrepressible Scheie as the Duchess of Berwick.
Flouncing about with the duchess's socially inept daughter (Rami Margron) in tow, Scheie is absolutely
hilarious. Ross skillfully portrays the conflicting emotions of Mrs. Erlynne.
Sharp
characterizations come from the rest of the cast: L. Peter Callender, James
Carpenter, Dan Clegg, Nick Gabriel, Tyee Tilghman and Bruce Carlton.
All
of these elements add up to an enjoyable, thought-provoking theatrical
experience.