The small theater in Clermont takes on a big challenge in presenting the complex French play “Dangerous Liaisons” that opened on March 20. The drama takes place in 1782 where the pre-revolutionary aristocrats while away their time with parlor tricks and sexual escapades.
Valmont (Jeremy Wood) is a master of mischief taking on any and all challenges presented by his amoral female cohort Merteuil (Marcie Schwalm). His current assignment is the defrocking of young virgin Cecile (Cori Blythe) recently graduated from a nunnery school. Toss in another test of debauching the married Tourvel (Jenn Roman) and you have one busy Frenchman.
Director Amber McEachern Jessee presents the show as a period piece with authentic looking costumes for all. One touch she created is a unique vertical bedroom scene, which I have never seen before, giving the illusion of audience looking down from the ceiling. The view becomes particularly interesting when Valmont uses the bare back of courtesan Emille (Cindy Shepard) for a table while he pens a letter. Obviously, this is not a PG show.
There are a multitude of scene changes involving four-indoor locations. Another pleasant innovation is where we see the servants wheeling in and rotating four flats in a choreographed procession.
One impediment not overcome is the length of the play which is well over two hours.
Blocking and projection is good. Acting by Woods in his debut with the Moonlight Players makes the nefarious Valmont believable. Others in the cast are Miles Berman, Jenny Ornstein, Sharon Laughery, Steven Maynard, Kevin Hutchison, Brandon Kincade, and Miranda Crohan.
This is your opportunity to see the rarely produced “Dangerous Liaisons” which runs weekends through April 12. For location and other information visit their web site at www.moonlightplayers.com.
Villager Jack Petro reviews local theater for Villages-News.com