Printer-Friendly
Email this Story
Post a Comment (0)
Theater review: 'Charley's Aunt' a delightful love story
Vpstart Crow's “Charley’s Aunt” has come to visit the Cramer Center in Old Town Manassas and has brought with her (or him, rather) good, old-fashioned laughs with twists and surprises to delight the audience.
The story opens with Jack (Michael Feidt) writing a love letter to Kitty (Megan Graves). Not long after, Charley (James Majewski) arrives, proclaiming his love for Amy (Michelle Polera,). The two men want to get together with their girls, so to make their gathering respectable for this Victorian foursome, Charley’s aunt, who is expected for a visit, will be the necessary chaperone.
The only problem is that Charley’s aunt has sent a note saying she will be delayed. What to do, what to do? Ah, why not put good sport Lord Fancort Babberly (Colby Mills) in a dress and pawn him off as Aunt Donna Lucia D’Alvadorez?
It seems to work (or not) until Charley’s real aunt (Maureen Frank) shows up and ... uh-oh -- what a delicious love story ensues! Four, no make that five, love stories in fact.
A sweet, titillating tale unfolds as Vpstart Crow’s talented actors once again entertain, intrigue and entreat their audiences while masterfully using their generous stage and three different settings.
There are other characters whose presence the play could not do without. One notable newcomer to the stage is Lawrence Bombay, playing Jack’s butler, Brassett. His sarcasm and attitude are perfect and add to the constant amusement of the show. Other charming characters are Sir Frances Chesney (Jack’s father, played by Dr. Eric W. Trumbull), Ela Delahay (Parker Solomon), and Stephen Spettigue (Bill Bacon).
All the actors are superb, but no play can be a complete success without a brilliant direction team. “Charley’s Aunt” is director Julie Cameron’s eighth production at Vpstart Crow. She has previously served as assistant director, casting director and actress, but “Charley’s Aunt” is her first attempt at directing. And what a great first attempt it is!
Helping her along is a strong team, including assistant director Michael Clark, producer Darrell Poe, stage manager Jay Wells and technical director Christie Swaney. Two 10-minute intermissions allow the audience to stretch their legs while the stage crew sets yet another scene. Each scene is bright, interesting and well-done, creating the desired Victorian environment, complete with perfectly-chosen costumes.
Everything about this stage production is top-notch and the audiences will be sure to enjoy the two-and-a-half hour production.
Vpstart Crow’s “Charley’s Aunt” continues at the Cramer Center in Old Town Manassas for two more weekends, through March 21. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for senior citizens, students and city or county employees. Tickets are also available online at vpstartcrow.com.
You must be logged in to post a comment.