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The Talisman Ring
By Georgette Heyer
Adapted by Christiana Calvit
Directed by Dorothy Milne
At Lifeline Theatre
6912 N. Glenwood Ave
Chicago, IL
Call 773-761-4477, tickets $24 - $26
Fridays at 7:30
Saturdays at 4 & 8 PM
Sundays at 5:30 PM
Running time is 2 hrs, 20 min with intermission
Through December 11, 2005
A Hilarious mystery romance awaits
Prolific British writer Georgette Heyer’s (1902-1974) hilarious mystery romance comes to life in a remount of Lifeline Theatre’s acclaimed 1996 smash hit. The Talisman Ring is set in 1795 England just after the French Revolution began. Secret panels, dueling couples on a love quest, smugglers and murder suspects abound in this romantic comic mystery. Cute, charming, hilarious and engrossing aptly describe this wonderful show. Sporting delicious British and French accents, the Lifeline ensemble thoroughly captures the humor and lightness of this delightful romp into 18th Century romance dressed in period costumes designed by Elizabeth Powell Shaffer.
When the young cutie Eustacie de Vauban (played with a funny fast-talking French accent by the adorable Kelly Leaman) decides her arranged marriage with her coldly unromantic cousin, Sir Tristram (Peter Greenberg at his droll finest) will not be adventurous she meets Ludovis (Nick Lewis in a lovable heroic turn). Sparks fly. With the aid of the clever confident Sarah Thane (Elizabeth Dowling smartly conniving and wonderfully charming), the two aid Tristram in search of the Talisman Ring as the key to defending Ludovic from murder charges. The deliciously cunning murder, Lavenham (Robert Kauzlaric in a viciously comic villain turn) plots to thwart the couples as he eyes the wealth and lands from Ludovic. This is pure gothic mystery romance played with humor.
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The supporting cast, lead by Paul S. Holmqest, Patrick Blashill and Dylan Lower deftly played numerous characters with an assortment of accents. Director Dorothy Mile keeps the action moving nicely. Victoria Delorio’s sound design contributed effectively as did Kevin Gawley’s magnificent two level English Manor set. Geoff Coates’s fight choreography was funny at times and thrilling at the end.
This is first class theatre where the small details contribute to an entertaining evening of theatre. Lifeline Theatre has carved out a unique niche—converting novels into marvelous stage plays. Experience The Talisman Ring to see what excellent storefront theatre is all about. You’ll be glad you did.
Highly Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Chicago Stage Talk Radio Show
This show eligible for a C.S.T. Non-Equity Theatre Award
September 30, 2005
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