The lights slowly come down at the top of the show. Audience members quiet down and all look towards the stage, waiting for the action to begin. Then, the lights begin to flash. At first you might almost miss it—the flash is so quick. But then the flashes increase, and lighting designer Laura J. Wiley throws bright colors into the mix. Shades of pink and purple begin to fill the space as the actors strut onto the stage in time with sound designer L.J. Luthringer’s boppy music. With the intimacy of the Edge Off-Broadway’s space, the audience is immediately thrown into the action, almost as if we are in a dance club with the ensemble as they move about. It's opening night for Richard Brinkley Sheridan's Restoration comedy of manners, The School for Scandal, by Idle Muse Theatre
The actors begin to pose, creating the perfect opportunity to take in Victoria Jablonski’s gorgeous costume design (with the talented aid of Restoration style coach Jennifer Mohr). The Restoration period fashion alone is quite striking, but with the addition of the bright colors and vibrant patterns, the infectious fun feel of the night club is heightened. Audience members surrounding me couldn’t help but dance along to the music in their seats.
Many theater fans may have studied The School for Scandal or plays like it in school. It’s a classic Restoration comedy piece, complete with the characters who mess with all kinds of immoral decisions while trying to move through high society. However, you just might find that the bold design choices add a modern aesthetic that makes the play accessible to anyone witnessing it, regardless whether they are a die-hard Restoration comedy fan or experiencing the genre for the first time. As the actors exit the stage and prepare for the first official scene of the play, it was clear that this audience was alert and curious to see what big move might come next.
The School for Scandal is all about gossip and secret affairs in high society. We open with Lady Sneerwell (Elise Soeder), who is set on marrying Charles Surface (Brian Healy) for his money. Unfortunately, Charles wants to marry Maria (Cat Evans) – as does his elder brother, Joseph Surface (Eric Duhon). However, unlike Charles, Joseph only wants Maria for her money. Lady Sneerwell and Joseph set out on a scheme to spread vicious rumors about Charles’ enormous debt and financial challenges in order to tarnish his reputation and help them each acquire the marriage they desire. However, as with so many stories like this, nothing quite goes according to plan. Lies have a way of bubbling to the surface and for better or for worse, the truth will come out.
Directed and adapted by Evan Jackson, the ensemble as a whole is quite strong. They seamlessly play into the heightened comedy of the piece, and with the close proximity, even find moments to bring the audience in on the jokes.
die MCaty Gordon as Lady Teazle is a standout, and her comedic timing elicited laughs and cheers from the audience throughout the performance. The play is full of secret affairs, and Lady Teazle’s transgressions become dangerously close to being revealed in a particular scene. Not to give too much away, but in an attempt to hide her secret relationship from her husband, she jumps behind a screen as he enters the room. Jackson and Gordon find various ways to use the hiding place for the purposes of comedy, including peaking around the screen and jumping in front of it only to be forced back behind before her husband notices. Gordon brought such joy to the spectacle and even played her reactions off the audience surrounding her, creating a small gift for patrons sitting in that section. The School for Scandal is a farce, and the over-the-top comedy in this scene certainly won the love of the crowd.
A talented cast and top-notch design team make The School for Scandal a night of spectacle.
The School for Scandal runs through April 13 at the Edge Off-Broadway, 1133 W. Catalpa Ave. For tickets and information, see the Idle Muse Theatre Company website.
For more information on this and other productions, see theatreinchicago.com.
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