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The Philadelphia Story
By Philip Barry
Directed by Shawn Douglas
Produced by Remy Bumpp think theatre
At Victory Gardens Greenhouse Theatre
2257 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL
Call 773-871-3000, tickets $35- $40
Wednesdays thru Fridays at 7:30 pm
Saturdays at 2:30 & 7:30 pm
Sundays at 2:30
Special Wednesday matinees at 2 pm Nov. 28 & Dec. 12
Running time is 2 hours, 25 minutes with 2 intermissions
Through January 6, 2008
Suave, sophisticated Philip Barry comedy of manners is a masterpiece.
Remy Bumppo think theatre continues their excellence with the 1939 classic Philip Barry’s comedy, The Philadelphia Story. That work resurrected the career of Katherine Hepburn. Who can’t remember the 1940 film with Hepburn, Carey Grant and Jimmy Stewart? You’re in dangerous territory when you attempt to mount such a classic on stage but, in the hands of such capable artists as Remy Bummpo possesses, it is sure winner. Director Shawn Douglas has mounted a breezy, smart and thoroughly engaging production of The Philadelphia Story now at Victory Gardens Greenhouse Theater.
With a splendidly innovative set (designed by Jackie and Rick Penrod) that depicts the elegant estate of the rich and privileged Lord family of Philadelphia and authentic period costumes (Rachel Laritz), The Philadelphia Story unfolds as a slick and unconventional drawing room comedy of manners. This is a polished, expertly acted comedy that engages and holds us throughout. This is one of the finest shows of 2007!
A day before her second marriage to a self-made business man, haughty socialite Tracy Lord (in a tour de force performance by Erica Elam) is a most assured, even cocky woman about her future. She is in command and lives almost to perfection in her manner and confidence. However, the arrival of her ex-husband, Dexter (the suave Grant Goodman) and a crude, worldly tabloid journalist, Mike Connor (the likable Steve Kay) shakes Tracy’s vision of herself to her core. We see Tracy slowly melt down as Dexter, her estranged father Seth (Peter Davis) and the outspoken journalist through sharp and caustic repartee and a compromising champagne-induced event begin to crack Tracy’s tough veneer.
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This high styled romantic comedy is superbly written in the glossy upper class language befitting the idol over educated rich aristocratic American families. The grace and charm of the 30’s drawing room comedies is present here. Playwright Philip Barry captures the foibles and eccentricities of the high society elite. We meet Sandy Lord (a most engaging Gregory Anderson) the young mischievous brother of the bride. Margaret Lord (the amazing Annabel Armour) is the dotting matriarch while Dinah Lord (Margaret Katch) is the precious teen sister and William (Donald Brearley) is the eccentric uncle. The estranged father, Seth completes the elite Philadelphia family.
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The Philadelphia Story is the story of the maturing of Tracy Lord. In her journey of self discovery we see how acceptance of human weaknesses and personal differences—both in ourselves and others absent judgment is the highest form of maturity. Director Shawn Douglas observes: “The Philadelphia Story is a richer story (on stage), and one in which the feelings beneath the glittering repartee runs much deeper.”
As the role of Tracy Lord reinvigorated Katherine Hepburn’s stage and screen career, Erica Elam performs a breakout performance as Tracy. Elam has the radiant beauty, warm smile, grace and sophistication together with the strength of character necessary to both give us hints of Hepburn as well as establishing her own distinct mark on Tracy. We marvel at her gradual destruction from an over confident and heartless goddess to a humble, flawed but understanding women with a heart. Erica Elam has the acting instincts and talent that wins audiences. Her performance anchors the play. She is a major talent with a bright future.
I enjoyed the work of Steve Key as the love struck writer and Wendi Weber’s sharp observations. Grant Goodman’s stage presence commands while Margaret Katch’s innocence is charming. Donald Brearley and Aaron Christensen, Gregory Anderson and Annabel Armour round out a terrific ensemble.
Remy Bumppo continues to offer brilliant productions of excellent plays. They are among the finest Equity theatre companies in Chicago. Erica Elam’s Tracy is a most memorable character. If you yearn for sophisticated theatre and are tired of holiday shows—get to Victory Gardens Greenhouse Theater for The Philadelphia Story—you’ll enjoy this treat.
Highly Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed: November 19, 2007
Jeff Recommended
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