Williamstown Theatre Festival, Williamstown, MA
through July 26, 2014
by Walt Haggerty
Summer theatre once had a reputation for presenting light,
frothy entertainments as “vehicles” suited to the talents of available stars of
Hollywood, television, and Broadway. Often these were tried and true revivals
of popular, successful productions. Occasionally they were new works with an
optimistic sight-line focused on Broadway. “Living on Love” is a delightful
example of the latter.
Whether “Living on Love” actually has Broadway as an
objective remains to be seen. What it does have is a more than welcome light
comedy by Joe Depietro, based on an earlier work by Garson Kanin. “Living on
Love” is performed by an outstanding cast headed by world renowned Metropolitan
Opera star, Renee Fleming as Raquel DeAngelis, the latter a diva of the highest
order. Here demonstrates a broad range of talent, most especially a natural
flair for comedy.
The story opens with Douglas Sills giving a bravura
performance as Vito DeAngelis, Raquel’s husband and an internationally
acclaimed symphony conductor in his own right. Vito is currently reluctantly
working on his (ghost written) autobiography, assisted by frustrated writer
Robert Samson, impeccably played by Justin Long. Considering the high velocity
nature of the principals, Raquel’s decision to write HER (ghost written)
autobiography complicates the situation. With Robert, already “fired” by Vito,
Raquel quickly recruits him as her ghost writer. Vito immediately selects Iris
Peabody, charmingly portrayed by Anna Chlumsky, as his new writer.
Complications develop as jealousy and tempers rise and fall and romance, as
always, or almost always, triumphs.
Blake Hammond and Scott Robertson, as a Tweedledee-Tweedledum
team of servants in the DeAngelis house, should be charged with grand larceny
for stealing every scene in which they appear.
Director Kathleen Marshall has given “Living on Love” the
bright sheen of a fast-paced, often hilarious comedy, ready for Broadway – or
whatever. Special credit must be given to Fleming for treating audiences to
this delightful bit of summer nonsense during what should have been her summer
vacation.
“Living on Love” is a skillfully crafted refreshing summer treat.
