Theater Works' Triumph of Love (For a map to location, click this link)
Mark S.P. Turvin
(home office) (602) 912-0117
I can be reached for comment via e-mail at: mspt@goldfishpublishers.com
Reviewed 5/18/02
In 1997, such theatre luminaries as F. Murray Abraham, Betty Buckley and Susan Egan embarked on an ill-fated Broadway production entitled Triumph of Love. Based on an 18th century comedy by Pierre Marivaux, the musical chronicles the funny and wild attempts of Sparta's young princess Leonide to win the love of the exiled prince, Agis, who has been hidden away and schooled since youth by unemotional philosophers Hermocrates and Hesione to overthrow her. The reasons behind the failure of the original Broadway production have little to do with the actual show itself. While it's not exactly up to the literary level of a Candide, it is a very pleasant little musical comedy that strenuously avoids taking itself too seriously. The piece is finding a new life in regional and college theatres, and Theater Works is offering the Valley of the Sun premiere as the final show of their season. They've tapped a veteran at light musical comedies, Jim Linde, to direct, and the cast includes a mix of veterans and newbies. Thanks to Linde's presentational, over-the-top style, and the cute and cohesive cast, what is trotting the boards of Theater Works is proof that fluff works.
At the center of this triumph of fluff is the sweet-voiced Janine Smith, who is charming as the sweetly duplicitous Loenide. Filling the time honored "breeches role," Ms. Smith successfully switches back and forth between seductive woman and plucky male squire. While not a powerful singer, Ms. Smith does have a beautiful voice that helps her win over the audience. Balancing her is Jarrod Fowler as the prince of her dreams. Mr. Fowler is not the strongest of actors, but he cuts a handsome figure, is earnest, and also has a pleasant voice that more than makes up for his limited stage presence. The roles of the severe philosophers, Bruce Schechter as Hermocrates and Ronee Korbin Steiner as his stern sister Hesione, are effectively portrayed. Ms. Steiner has an operatic voice that suits her character, while Mr. Schechter succeeds as the Spartan philosopher who has a revelation of the heart.
The highlight of the show is the supporting ensemble. They don't just steal the evening, they physically kidnap it for whole stretches at a time. Under other circumstances, this might result in an uneven production, but here, it helps to keep the pace of the show frenetic and the feeling of the evening light and anachronistic. Dion Johnson is up to his old tricks as Harlequin. He mugs, sings up a storm, and dances to perfection. Katie Williams is wonderful as Leonide's maid, Corine. Her excellent belter voice and modern way of acting make her a joy to watch. Balancing the trio is Jonathan Ivie as the course gardener Dimas. Mr. Ivie's performance is not very polished, but it works well with his character's rough ways. He carries his own musically, and keeps up with Mr. Johnson in the mugging department. The three of them bring down the house with their rendition of the song "Henchmen."
Despite a few sour notes from the brass section, the six piece offstage orchestra is strong and supports the ensemble well. Plus, it's always better than canned music. Michael Peck's set is very basic, although it does have a few surprises. Scott Campbell's lighting is well designed, and despite a microphone glitch, Scott Kirkorsky's sound design is very effective. Becky Avery's costumes are enjoyable, and the twist at the end for two of the main characters is very well presented.
There's a place in the world for fluff. One of them is on a warm Saturday night in May, when the toil of the workweek is far behind. This fictional Sparta is an enjoyable place to visit, full of romance, intrigue, and mirth. Thanks to those at Theater Works who saw fit to give a second chance to this overlooked script.
Production Details:
Triumph of Love Book by James
Magruder, Music by Jeffrey Stock, Lyrics by Susan
Birkenhead, Based on the play by Marivaux
Theater Works,
Peoria (For a map to location, click this
link)
(623) 815-7930
May 10th - June 2nd, 2002
