Metromaniacs at STC Extended: Don’t Miss It
If you like to laugh and feel really good when you walk out of a show then you need to see Metromaniacs at the Shakespeare Theatre Company (STC). I wrote about attending a rehearsal of the play but was still blown away when I saw it on Tuesday evening. David Ives who adapted it from an obscure 1738 French play La Metromanie is just brilliant. The direction by Michael Kahn brings it to life in a way no other director could. It is not only the words but the physicality of the actors, every movement means something, and each elicits a laugh. Kahn has directed other David Ives plays at the Shakespeare including The Liar and The Heir Apparent and those who saw them will not want to miss this because they know how great the collaboration between Ives and Kahn is. David Ives said, “These three plays have been some of the most fun I have ever had in the theater”. Those who have seen them all will agree audiences feel the same.
The play is about mistaken identity and everyone being incognito at a party. They are lusting after people they have never seen and deliciously making fools of themselves in the process. The actors that Kahn chose are each perfect in their roles. Amelia Pedlow as Lucille has been at the STC before as Hermia in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and as Jessica in The Merchant of Venice. Her beauty and comedic skills shine in this production. Dina Thomas as Lisette makes her STC debut and we can only hope she will be back. She is glorious.
Some other cast members have been at the STC before and include Anthony Roach as Dorante. Dorante is the good-looking hunk who isn’t quite bright. Anthony clearly is a good-looking hunk so that part is easy but it takes a good actor to play stupid so well. Anthony leaves this production to star in Guys and Dolls at the Goodspeed Theater Company. Then there is Christian Conn as Damis. He was at the STC as Dorante in The Liar among other productions. Not much to say about Christian other than he is a superb actor and great in this role. When he is onstage you are drawn to him. He is another actor that if we are lucky will continue to grace the STC stage. Michael Goldstrom as Mondor makes his STC debut and is perfectly cast and a wonder to watch. His comedic talents are clearly evident throughout the production. Peter Kybart as Baliveau and Adam LeFEVRE as Francalou both make their STC debuts and are perfectly cast and incredibly talented. Part of the wonder of Metromaniacs is that all the actors just seem like they are having a great time.
I was fortunate to be part of a theater party that had cocktails with the cast after the show. Each and every one of them is as nice off-stage as they are great on-stage. It’s always fun to hear their thoughts on the audience and what makes a production fun for them. Without exception they all raved about being in a production directed by Kahn. The play has been extended to the middle of March so you can still get tickets at STC. Don’t miss out on this fun evening in the theater.