Photo Courtesy of Pasadena Playhouse James
Sutorius and Monette Magrath star in a
fresh version of "Les Liaisons Dangereuses," directed by Sheldon
Epps at the Pasadena Playhouse.
By Mary Williams
Daily Bruin Contributor
Audiences searching for sexually charged comedy are more likely
to look for a Farrelly brothers movie than a play about France in
the 1780s.
However, “Les Liaisons Dangereuses,” playing at the
Pasadena Playhouse through April 22, is a tale of sex and lies,
with the bonus that the viewer leaves feeling a bit more cultured
than if he had stayed at home watching “There’s
Something About Mary.”
“Les Liaisons Dangereuses” is a story that has been
told countless times, most famously perhaps in the Oscar-winning
film “Dangerous Liaisons” and the modernized
“Cruel Intentions,” making the play a fresh remarkable
feat.
The story, both comedic and dramatic, focuses on the many sexual
conquests of Le Vicomte de Valmont and his former mistress, La
Marquise de Merteuil. The two revel in seducing the virtuous, and
they take on successively more difficult targets.
Their complex relationship, based on this game of deceit and
desire, and overshadowed by lingering feelings for each other, is
as captivating today as it must have been in the 18th century when
the original novel was written by Choderlos de Laclos.
In this production, written by Christopher Hampton and directed
by Sheldon Epps, the audience’s familiarity with the plot is
a hurdle overcome by compelling acting and seamless presentation,
which keep the viewers focusing on the moment rather than
anticipating the end.
James Sutorius and Lynnda Ferguson as the lead characters
Valmont and Merteuil, respectively, contribute solid performances.
Sutorius was downright fiendish when plotting his conquest of Mme.
de Tourvel, a carefully chosen, virtuous woman, and Ferguson
portrayed an equally convincing icy and conniving disposition.
The sets contributed to the smooth transition between scene and
location changes. Pieces of furniture, often with actors already
sitting on them, were slid in and out from the wings in groups,
along tracks in the floor. At the back of the stage was a bed, a
constant reminder of the nature of the game being played, which was
also sometimes moved along a similar track to the foreground.
The method was smooth, efficient and fast, and with actors
already positioned on the furniture when it moved in, the viewer
was dropped into the middle of a situation, rather than waiting for
actors to move in from the wings and take their places.
Furthermore, every character’s costume was beautiful and
elaborate, reflecting the flamboyance of dress in the late 18th
century.
Of course, the costumes are only half the fun of watching a
period piece, and the audience is not disappointed here.
Gravity-defying wigs and lace on anything that can sustain it
characterize the women’s appearance.
However, the acting, sets and costumes would be nothing if the
play was poorly written. Fortunately, this is not the case.
Hampton’s adaptation of Laclos’ novel is excellent,
and was also the basis for the film “Dangerous
Liaisons.” The flashes of emotion and truth that peek out
from behind the deception wrap up the audience’s own
feelings.
Valmont, for example, is both a sympathetic and a hateful
character. His actions are cruel, but nonetheless the audience
feels a bit sorry for him at the end. This emotional push and pull
is what made the story popular in the past, and is the foundation
upon which this well-executed production is built.
The only fault is that the play does not grab the viewer’s
attention right from the beginning. It starts a bit slowly, as
characters, situations and histories are introduced. After
about 15 minutes, however, things move more quickly and the
attention of the audience is never lost again.
The Pasadena Playhouse has created a good production of a great
play. Consider its wit and drama to be a classy alternative to
watching “Tomcats” this coming weekend.
THEATER: “Les Liaisons Dangereuses”
is at the Pasadena Playhouse until April 22. Performances are
Tuesday through Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. and
Sunday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Ticket prices are from $15 to $42.50,
and tickets are available at (626) 356-PLAY.