|
What Every Woman Knows
By James M. Barrie
Directed by Robert Scogin
Produced by Shaw Chicago Theater
At the Chicago Cultural Center Studio Theater
77 East Randolph Street
Chicago, IL
Call 312-742-8497, tickets $15
Saturdays & Sundays at 2 pm
Mondays at 7 pm
Running time is 2 hours with intermission
Through May 3, 2008
“Oh, it's—it's a sort of bloom on a woman. If you have it, you don't need to have anything else; and if you don't have it, it doesn't much matter what else you have. Some women, the few, have charm for all; and most have charm for one. But some have charm for none.” –from What Every Woman Knows
Charming, whimsical comedy of manners by J. M. Barrie at Cultural Center
Shaw Chicago Theater is know for mounting the post intelligent and engaging stage readings of classic theatre. J. M. Barrie (1860-1937), best know for Peter Pan, wrote novels and plays filled with wit and biting satire. In his 1908 work, What Every Woman Knows, Barrie vividly portrays his belief that woman, especially wives, do make the man. They contribute to their husband’s success even though the men are mostly unaware of their contributions.
“What every woman knows is that she must never allow her man to realize that she is helping him, but must allow him to think that it is his own intelligence and ingenuity that are getting him on.” --Theatre U.S.A., 1665 to 1957 by Barnard Hewitt; McGraw-Hill, 1959
What Every Woman Knows tells the story of Maggie Wiley (Barbara Zahora), a 27 year old, unmarried woman without prospects because apparently she “has no charm.” Her Scottish father, Alick (Michael McAlister) and her two brothers, David (Nathan Hosner) and James (Joe Lehman) are desperate to find Maggie a husband for fear that she’ll become a spinster. Her prospects are slim until an apparent burglar is caught in the Wiley’s home. John Shand (Christian Gray) isn’t a burglar, only a poor scholar trying to use the Wiley’s library. The Wiley men make Shand an interesting proposition: receive 300 pounds sterling for his education if he agrees to marry Maggie within five years. He accepts after Maggie forces him to politely ask her first.
Shand finishes his education and marries Maggie after telling her that he is honorable but that he doesn’t love her. Shand gets elected to Parliament after writing splendid speeches. We see how Maggie quietly helps Shand along the way with advise and edits of his writings. She becomes instrumental in his success. Shand’s ego doesn’t allow him to realize Maggie’s importance. When Shand attempts an affair with Lady Sybil Tenterdan (Lili-Anne Brown), Maggie goes into high gear to protect her man. The fun begins as the shrewd Scott’s lady plots her course. The result is a whimsical comedy of manners.
Keep in mind that this Shaw Chicago production is much more than a stage reading. With nine skilled classical Equity actors fully playing their roles, the show becomes a play minus the sets and costumes. Barbara Zahora and Christian Gray lead a fine ensemble of character actors whose rich Scottish accents and smart comic aplomb fully engages us. Joseph Bowen deftly articulates the atmosphere narrative that opens each act.
Shaw Chicago’s productions send us into the world of classic 19th and 20th Century drama through their sophisticated productions. For a mere $15 per ticket, Shaw Chicago offers first class entertainment.
Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed: April 13, 2008
|
