Shakespeare & Company, Lenox, MA
through March 24, 2013
by Shera Cohen
About 370 years ago, playwright Pierre Corneille penned one
of the most cunning farces of that era, titled “Le Menteur.” Oddly, Corneille
was dubbed “the founder of French tragedy,” yet the gentleman probably needed a
break from gloom, because brought to Shakespeare & Company’s stage in the
gloom of New England winter is “The Liar.” The story is light, and includes
love and feigned love, mistaken identity, a funny maid (actually two), etc.
There’s no need to know French to enjoy this brilliant
fabrication set to rhymed couplets. Contemporary playwright David Ives has
accomplished the task of translating or adapting the original into quick-witted
dialogue. Sometimes the rhyme is a bit of a stretch, making the words even more
humorous. Bravo to the seven actors who speak, seemingly, effortlessly.
Director Kevin Coleman, a master of moving his cast fast and furiously through
many Shakespeare & Co. farces, has exceeded even his own benchmark of
talent.
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| Photo by Kevin Sprague |
Our hero is a handsome young man whose occupation is that of
an inept professional liar. David Joseph, an actor who has certainly proved his
metal at this venue, has moved up the ranks to leading role. His Dorante (Liar)
is suave yet slippery, intelligent yet dumb, egotistical yet soft-hearted. He’s
a loveable cocky SOB. With a rapid fire tongue, Joseph rips through his rhyming
repartee, while at the same time running, jumping, and fighting. Indeed, the
duel between Dorante and Alcippe (Enrico Spada) becomes the high point of the
play. Imagine an aggressive sword fight without swords with each exceptionally
choreographed lunge simultaneously described by Joseph as both the participant
and referee.
The entire cast is always on point, and apparently having a
super time pulling off this comedy. Of particular note is Dana Harrison in the
dual role as twins Isabelle and Sabine, one sister as dim and frothy as the
other is prim and stern. Both are a hoot.
There's so much more to write about this terrific cast;
and…there’s backstage “stuff”: 1600’s indoor/outdoor settings with minimal
staging, costume designs worthy of prizes and booby prizes (Pops dressed like a
bumble bee), sound effects.
Dorante’s motto is, “Never, ever, ever speak the truth.”
Alas, truth must be spoke…get ye to “The Liar” foresooth.
