Marriotts Ridge Hich School Presents: Charley's Aunt

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Permalink Reply by Sara Pecas on November 27, 2011 at 1:38pm

Brazil . . . Where the Nuts Come From

                Two love-struck students, two beautiful young ladies, two meddlesome guardians, and Charley's “aunt”. . . Come join Marriotts Ridge’s Theatre Department for their production of Charley’s Aunt as they put a spin on this classic comedy written by Brandon Thomas in 1892, and set it in the 1920’s at Yale University!

                Charley Wykeham (Richards) and Jack Chesney (Gilbert), love struck ivy leaguers, receive word that Charley’s aunt from Brazil, Donna Lucia D’Alvadorez (Fremuth), whom he has never met, is coming to visit. Hoping to proclaim their love to Amy Spettigue (Morales) and Kitty Verdun (Pacione), the boys concoct a plan to woo their lovely ladies by inviting them to lunch to meet Charley’s rich widowed aunt.  After the invitations have been sent, Charley receives notice that Donna Lucia can no longer attend their luncheon. Being that etiquette demands that a female chaperone be present, the boys quickly scramble to find their theatrical friend Fancort Babberly (Bott) to impersonate her.  But when Donna Lucia becomes the apple of Sir Francis Chesney (Harvey) and Stephen Spettigue (Talcott) eyes, and when the real Donna Lucia (Fremuth) arrives, the boys are left in a very sticky situation.

                Richards and Gilbert had fantastic chemistry as they anxiously contemplated what to do and what to say to the girls, did their bull dog handshake, and tried to keep Bott under control. Bott had perfect comedic timing while trying to balance between his characters, Babbs and Charley’s aunt. He performed his hilarious un-ladylike antics with grace. Together, the trio was enthusiastic and entertaining and received a well deserved standing ovation.

                Kuligowski was ideal with his “yes sir”, and “no sir” attitude with his portrayal of Brassett. The girls, Amy and Kitty, are pure, prim and proper and were well portrayed by Morale’s dim-witted gazes and Pacione’s sassy tone. Fremuth became the definition of elegance as she floated across the stage and kept calm in the chaotic situations. Harvey and Talcott were amusing with their gestures and vocalizations as they fought and chased after Donna Lucia. The ensemble was used effectively to show daily life at the University.

                The technical aspects of the production were sublime. The costumes replicated the time period and social classes perfectly, with their sweater vests, gloves, top hats and penguin suits. The music used for the chase scenes and scene changes seemed as if it came directly from a silent film. Although there were times in which it was hard to hear the actors due to complications with the microphones, the audience did not miss much on account of the actor’s great projection and over the top gestures.

                Cross dressing! Tom Foolery! Trickery! Love! As the two young Yale University students try to win the hearts of the young ladies they fancy, the audience members at Marriotts Ridge discover young love, old love, enraged guardians, and one striking, exotic aunt!

Permalink Reply by Angelica Dayhoff on November 28, 2011 at 3:42pm



Marriotts Ridge Epitomizes the Balance of Comedy and Professionalism

By: Angelica Dayhoff

With lost loves, missing chaperones, and a man dressed as a woman, Marriots Ridge’s Charley’s Aunt is a cheerful and comedic success.

The show is set in the 1920s at Yale, where two students force their theatrical friend Babberly (Ben Bott) to dress as Charley’s aunt from Brazil – where the nuts come from. In order to meet with the girls of their dreams, Charley (Brady Richards) and Jack (Brian Gilbert) must make everything perfect in their Ivy League home; thus, the boys look to Jack’s valet, Brassett (Ted Kuligowski), for assistance. Being the only objective person in this cross-dressed party, Brasset provides a dry humor that appropriately complements the physical humor that Bott, Richards, and Gilbert portray so well.

The ensemble of the cast was very well choreographed, thanks to the work of Haley Fremuth. Responsible for setting up the props on stage, the members of the ensemble were professional in that every move they made was perfectly planned and executed. The way the actors moved about each other conveyed the true college life: guys trying to get girls and girls playing hard to get.

Richards and Gilbert as Jack and Charley made a good combination, synchronizing their movements to convey the camaraderie between them. The lounge that the first act is set in epitomizes the college-boy environment that the two live in, and their actions and words reflect this lifestyle flawlessly. Unafraid to push the boundaries of comedy, Bott stole the show with his attempted woman voice and ability to send the audience into bursts of laughter with one simple motion of the arm.

The set for the play was phenomenal, the first act portraying a typical college dorm, equipped with an alcohol stash, dart board, and desk used for writing love notes. The second act was set in a garden, the brick background walls resembling ancient Greek architecture. In the final third act, a color theme of purple surfaced as the play took place in beautifully created dining hall. The lights were also subtle, yet effective, perfectly lighting every person on stage and thus allowing each character to shine.

Charley’s Aunt by Marriotts Ridge High School was a jubilant production filled with humor and young love. The discombobulated plot of the play, though predictable, was still an enjoyable experience for the audience. After all, a guy will do anything to get the girl of his dreams … even impersonating a woman from Brazil – where the nuts come from. 

Permalink Reply by Emily Long on November 28, 2011 at 5:01pm

My Dear Kitty—Charley’s Aunt is a Jolly Good Time!

                  “Well, ya see, I have an aunt…” And so it begins. Charley’s Aunt performed at Marriotts Ridge High School is a combination of well-casted characters, hearty humor, and remarkable romances.

                  The farce begins with two Oxford graduates, Jack Chesney (Brian Gilbert) and Charley Wykeham (Brady Richards), desperate for a meeting with their love interests, Kitty Verdun (Alyssa Pacione) and Amy Spettigue (Sydney Morales). Of course, it being 1892, a chaperone is required for the youngsters to meet. Lucky for them, Charley’s aunt, Donna Lucia D’Alvadores (Claire Fremuth) is coming from Brazil to see Charley for the first time. The problems only begin to arise when Donna changes her mind. The solution? An undergraduate who goes by the name Fancort Babberly (Ben Bott), preparing to act as a woman in a local theater production. When Jack’s father Sir Francis Chesney (Alex Harvey) and the girls’ guardian Stephen Spettigue (TJ Talcott) come into the picture, matters only become more convoluted, in a very entertaining sort of way.

                  Between Gilbert’s impressive headstand, Richards’ love-struck gazes, and Bott’s ability to work a dress, the trio of young men took the stage by storm. Their witty remarks and mischievous behavior convinced the audience they were witnessing the behavior of a typical (relatively speaking) group of college friends. Gilbert, Richards, and Bott were natural in their movements and fun with their lines, creating a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

                  Ted Kuligowski, who played Jack Chesney’s valet, offered the perfect kind of humor throughout the production. His candid statements and slight lisp made the audience laugh as he floated in and out of each scene. Donna’s niece, played by Anna Rimlinger, acted as the perfect dainty lady alongside Pacione and Morales. Fremuth also fit into her role well, delivering her lines with an appropriate amount of sophistication and poise. Harvey and Talcott were no less than perfectly silly gentlemen. Overall, the cast was right on the mark.

                  The sets were absolutely magical. The first act took place in an authentic-looking dorm room equipped with a dartboard and cigars. The second act was in a garden bordered by arches and columns and the third was in a room with a purple border and matching wallpaper to admire, a piano to pose around, and ornamental chairs to lounge upon.

                  The tech crew had some issues with the microphones. In the first act it was only one actor’s, but after intermission, more than one went out at times. Nonetheless, actors stuck to the script and played off of one another well.

                  Watching two grown men fall head over heals for an undergraduate in drag isn’t the prettiest thing to watch, but it’s pretty darn funny. After all, “pious frauds are second cousin to a miracle.” That, or, first relative to hilarious shenanigans.

Permalink Reply by Cecilia Farley on November 28, 2011 at 5:55pm

Marriott Ridge’s Charley’s Aunt steals laughs and smiles

A swarm of 1920s Yale students marches onto the stage, decked out in sharp cardigans, preppy skirts, and dapper suits. They laugh, flirt, and joke, slamming doors and running about every which way, to set the fast-paced vibe of Marriott Ridge High School’s production of Charley’s Aunt.

A farce written by Brandon Thomas, Charley’s Aunt was first performed in 1892. Originally set at Oxford in the late 1800s, this more modern production takes place at Yale in the 1920s. It deals with two very young and naïve students, Jack Chesney and Charley Wykeham, and their quest to win over the loves of their lives. In need of a chaperone to supervise their courting, they enlist the help of a friend, Fancourt Babberly, or “Babbs”, who disguises himself as Charley’s mysterious aunt from Brazil. Their plan is met with comedic twists and turns along the way, with plenty of scheming and surprises throughout.

Babbs (Ben Bott) sent the audience into peals of laughter in his effort to impersonate Charley’s aunt, Donna Lucia D’Alvadorez. His typical college boy habits, ranging from lighthearted pranks to smoking cigars, contrasted hilariously with his attempts to be a lady. Small details, an uncouth walk and a flitting of a fan, created a light, humorous character, while Babb’s yearning for love, seen later in the performance, showcases a deeper side to him.

Babb’s partners in crime, Jack Chesney (Brian Gilbert) and Charley Wykeham (Brady Richards), complemented him nicely, establishing a feeling of playful camaraderie among the boys. From Gilbert’s headstand in the initial scene to Richard’s nervous dart throwing, the boys were always in constant motion, suggesting an eagerness and earnestness in their quest for love.

The ensemble aptly captured the essence of the Twenties, as they whirled about the stage. Brassett (Ted Kuligowski), the Chesney’s butler, was especially hilarious, with a dry, perpetually bored tone. His discreet, often snide side remarks presented him as a character that knows all, yet reveals nothing. Similarly, Donna Lucia D’Alvadorez (Claire Fremuth) was a perfect contrast to her impersonator. Her poise and confidence commanded the audience, creating a regal air of elegance.

The three set changes throughout the performance were executed quickly and fluidly. The scenes were elaborate, full of ornate details such as gilded frames and plush furniture. The outdoor tea-party scene was especially noteworthy, as it allowed for a hilarious “chase scene,” in which the characters moved every which way, searching and avoiding each other all at once.  

Overall, Marriott’s Ridge’s comedy performance of Charley’s Aunt was chockfull of laughs and jokes, leaving its audience with a classic, feel-good turn of events that you can’t help smiling at. 

Permalink Reply by Janet S. Dabu on November 28, 2011 at 9:51pm

A Woman with a History

 

            Women are hard to get nowadays, especially when one has to resort to cross-dressing. Fortunately, Marriotts Ridge High School took this all in stride for their production of Charley’s Aunt on November 18^th at 7pm.   

            The only way a boy can get a proper date, and a chance at marriage, is if a chaperone is present. Jack Chesney and Charley Wykeham are in definite need of a chaperone in order to woo their sweethearts, Kitty Verdun and Amy Spettigue. Though Charley Wykeham has never met his aunt, Donna Lucia D’Alvadorez, her perfect timing could make courtship a whole lot easier. But when Donna Lucia can’t come, what are the boys to do? Why, they get Fancort Babberly to act as Charley’s aunt instead!

            Tangible chemistry held this production together. Whether throwing, catching, or sprinting to the next destination the actors maintained strong relationships through their postures around specific characters as well as their facial expressions. For example, whenever Bott was alone or with Gilbert and Richards by themselves onstage, he hunched over like a criminal trying to sneak away. T.J. Talcott as Stephen Spettigue made scrunched faces at his rival, Alex Harvey playing Sir Francis Chesney, demonstrating his jealousy and anger for having to compete for the attentions of Donna Lucia.

            Brian Gilbert (Jack Chesney) began the show with an eye-catching headstand in order to think of ways to address Kitty, starting off the play in a lighthearted manner. His nervous ramblings about how to start a letter to Kitty were sentimental and showed his devotion to her with every failed attempt that ended in the trash. Brady Richards as Charles Wykeham appeared confident and thoroughly willing to beat up Fancort Babberly. He catapulted himself in Babb’s direction whenever Fancort got a little too close for comfort to the girls, making Gilbert have to struggle to hold him back. Ben Bott (Fancort Babberly) was hilarious whether acting as himself or Charlie’s aunt. His fake laugh as Donna Lucia and strained smiles in Stephen Spettigue’s direction showed how uncomfortable he was carrying out Chesney’s and Wykeham’s scheme.

            The supporting characters and ensemble complimented the leads. Ted Kuligowski as Brassett the butler acted as the perfect foil to Jack Chesney. Kuligowski’s lack of expression in contrast to Gilbert’s bursts of emotion contributed to the comedy. His droll voice also added to his character, sounding unsurprised no matter the plot twist that took place. Talcott’s exaggerated kisses on Babberly’s fan were entertaining, consisting of pulling his head back after each kiss and sighing dramatically. The ensemble helped define a college feel at the beginning of each act by placing set items while also interacting with each other in a flirtatious manner.

            Three sets implemented in this play were used to great effect. In Act one the setting of the college dorm was professional but also full of secrets. Secret openings and a hidden dartboard added to the surprises and antics on stage. The garden in Act two contained brick arches with pots of flowers scattered about. It was simple but romantic with a set of white chairs and a table. The third set, the drawing room at the Spettigues, contained a wash of violet with a homey fireplace, a piano, and plush places to sit.

            With solid acting and unexpected character histories, Charley’s Aunt was a show full of laughs. The cast at Marriotts Ridge easily portrayed love, hate, and sometimes love-hate relationships with enthusiasm.

Permalink Reply by Gary Malveaux on November 28, 2011 at 10:55pm

Charley's (Brazil) Nutty Aunt

“As one door closes another door opens.” This was usually the case in the play Charley's Aunt, performed at Marriotts Ridge High School on Friday, November 18^th. Written by Brandon Thomas, Charley's Aunt is a farcical play that takes place at Oxford University in 1892. Since the play is not protected under copyright laws, director, Sally Livingston, transported this play's setting to Yale University in the 1920's.

Charley's Aunt is the story of two collegiate boys, Jack Chesney and Charley Wykeham, who receive a letter that Charley's guardian and aunt from Brazil (“where the nut's come from”), Donna Lucia D' Alvadorez, wants to meet Charley for the first time. The boys are overjoyed by the letter because Donna will be able to chaperone their date with old Stephen Spettigue's niece and ward, Amy Spettigue and Kitty Verdun. However Donna regrets to inform Jack and Charley that she will be arriving a day late, so the boys decide to take matters into their own hands. Jack and Charley resolve to have their friend Lord Fancourt Babberley, Babbs for short, impersonate Charley's Aunt, and chaos ensues.

This production of Charley's Aunt was a huge hit. All of the actors developed unique character traits and vocalizations. Though some technical elements of the show did not go as planned, the show was still really entertaining to watch!

An actor who made a unique character choice that worked successfully for his character was Brian Gilbert (Jack Chesney). Gilbert stood on his head during his first few seconds on stage and showed off his fun-loving character. Another actor who developed their character was Brady Richards (Charley Wykeham). Richards' posture and stance was representative of a college boy's. When Richards was alone with Gilbert, he slouched or leaned on a close piece of furniture but as soon as the girls entered, his posture immediately changed to a more straight and respectful one. In general, all the actors and actresses shaped creative characters.

The ensemble for this production of Charley's Aunt, featured nicely dressed actors and actresses posing as college students. At the start of each act, the ensemble would enter the stage and perform various funny antics. Light piano music played in the background of the ensemble's antics and synthesized the feeling of an old black and white movie.

One of the technical issues that crew members of Charley's Aunt struggled with was sound. In the first act of the show, the actor's microphones sometimes turned on late, or were not turned on at all, due to the feedback noise. By the second act however, the problem was barely noticeable and the show went on without a hitch.

A clever directorial element of the show were the asides. The characters in the play usually had asides that were meant for the audience or for another character on stage. Every time that Gilbert had an aside, he stepped off the platform, that the set was on, and talked to the audience. This method worked very well because it showed that Gilbert was no longer talking to the other characters, but directly to the audience. Ben Bott (Babbs) also used a clever method for his asides. Whenever Bott had to talk to Charley or Jack without exposing his true identity and gender, he would hold up his fan and create a separation from the other characters.

Marriott Ridge's production of Charley's Aunt was a hilarious farce filled with cross-dressing men, clever handshakes, and a talented cast. This nutty, and quirky show will leave an audience begging for more.

Permalink Reply by Christopher King on November 29, 2011 at 10:51pm

A Lady with a History   :

“Some lies have got to be lived through or else they will be confessed” whispered Babs during the exuberant production of Charley’s Aunt on Friday, November 18, 2011 at 7pm, by The Marriott’s Ridge Theatre Department .It starred a small group of actors who used the stage, cross-dressing, and physical humor to create a hilarious, farcical comedy.                                                                               

           The play is set in the mid-1920’s at the prestigious college of Yale, where Jack and Charley live. They soon discover that their dates are coming to visit in a few minutes, and the only way they can get them to visit is to have a family member supervise the event, but Donna Lucia D’Alvadorez, the only person who can supervise the event, has not arrived. So Charley and Jack improvise and get Babs to pretend to be Charley’s aunt. Babs accidentally manages to get both Jack’s father and Mr. Spettigue to fall in love with him, while pretending to be Charley’s Aunt. During all of this, Charley’s real Aunt appears and begins to get suspicious about the person who is pretending to be her.                                          

            The production had many fantastic elements. The actors took the audience on a satirical adventure. They made use of a variety of props like liquor bottles, bouquets of flowers, and a quarter. The props where used to emphasize different characters goals, such as the flowers to show both Jack’s father’s and Mr. Sperrigue’s love for Charley’s aunt. Numerous characters expressed their inner thoughts to the audience by stepping off of the main platform and went to the front of the stage where they began talking to the audience.                                       

            The actor of Babs, Ben Bott, did an astounding job of playing the fake Donna Lucia D’Alvadorez. When his character pretended to be Charley’s Aunt his vocal quality sounded higher and faster than when he normally was talking, to help stress that his character of Babs was nervous. He used stage business to show his characters anxiety, by rapidly fanning himself and by smiling awkwardly. Brian Gilbert and Brady Richards acted as a comedic duo that played off of each other. They used big actions, like slamming doors, and identical stances and movements while on stage. They also had very similar vocal tones.This made them seem like two college guys.

            The supporting characters and ensemble added depth and believability to this comedic play. TJ Talcott’s portrayal of his character, Mr. Spettigue, was that of a high class socialite. His character seemed to be motivated by women, like the fake Charley’s Aunt. This made his character seem quirky and different. The ensemble acted like people in a Charlie Chaplin film. They used very fast paced movements and big actions to entertain the audience.                                                                         

            The elaborate sets were that of a college dorm at Yale, a court yard at Yale, and an elegant purple house. They were all built sturdily and could easily be rolled on and off the stage. The purple house had working wall lights above the fire place that could be turned on by clapping. The set of the dorm room at Yale had wooden walls and a secret entrance in the cabinet that Brassett used to enter the stage during the scene. The courtyard set had brick archways and plants at the rear of the stage. The lighting element used multicolored lights to emphasize emotions.  A spot light was used to show the main focus for the show. The sound elements were used to show moments of joy through song. The fast paced 1920’s transition music added depth and humor to the scene by setting the comedic mood.                                                                    

            “I have been in love a dozen times,” but after seeing this show that number just went up to thirteen. The main actors helped show the audience the exciting life of Charley, Jack and Babs. In the end the audience realized that it is better to be honest than to follow through with a poorly thought out plan and fall on your face. All the actors were brought together by each other’s enthusiasm and energy to make the show larger than life. The show made use of great comedic timing, hilarious characters, and quick physical humor.  

Permalink Reply by Sophie Keane on December 1, 2011 at 1:21am

Charley’s Aunt brought to hilarious life by Marriotts Ridge

     A bit of tomfoolery is expected on any college campus - alcohol induced or otherwise, usually having to do with pursuit of the opposite sex. But dressing up as the opposite sex, to impress your friends’ future fiancees? Desperate times call for desperate measures in Marriotts Ridge High School’s Charley’s Aunt.
     Charley Wykeham (Brady Richards) and Jack Chesney (Brian Gilbert), two Yale students of the 1800’s invigorated with immature love, anxiously await Charley’s aunt, the rich old widow Donna Lucia D’Alvadorez. They’ve bragged about her to their sweethearts, Amy (Sydney Morales) and Kitty (Alyssa Pacione), so when Donna Lucia doesn’t show, they enlist the help of an “amateur actor,” their mischievous friend Fancort “Babbs” Babberly (Ben Bott) to trick the girls.
     We are first introduced to Jack as one of the scholarly skirt chasers in the warm-wooded, well furnished Yale dormitory. Brian Gilbert stands apart as the sprightly young man addressing the audience whilst standing on his head, then bounding across the stage to do push-ups. Brady Richards, in the role of his comparably more reserved, mature friend Charley, is equally magnetic, although with a subtler performance.
     Bott throws all subtlety by the wayside as Babbs, who crawls through the window, steals the champagne, and presents himself as the not-so-perfect stand-in for Donna Lucia. Bott impressively vacillates between his true self, the unruly Yale schoolboy, and the kind, charming, yet feisty old Donna Lucia persona. His interactions with Richards and Gilbert demonstrate the trio’s split-second comedic timing and raucous physical comedy - particularly when attempting to cover the betraying aspects under Bott’s skirt.
     As the plight of the friends grows increasingly more complicated, two comedic foils are thrown into the mix, with the appearance of Jack’s stately, jovial father, Francis Chesney (Alex Harvey), and Amy’s father Stephen Spettigue (TJ Talcott). Harvey, with his mature, old-dog type portrayal, and Talcott, with his whimsical, overblown English character, chase after Bott in two hysterically different fashions.
     As the patient, resigned observer, Ted Kuligowski, in the role of Brassett - the stuffy English butler - offers snide asides to the audience and a dose of sarcastic humor to balance out the three boisterous young men. Kuligowski’s appearances, along with those of the glamorous, understated, real Donna Lucia (Claire Fremuth), her niece, the naïve, endearing Ela Delahay (Anna Rimlinger), and of course, the two charming, adoring objects of the boys’ affection (Morales and Pacione), counterbalance the wild hilarity of the three boys with the propriety of the time.
     The indispensable ensemble set each scene perfectly, as a slew of hormone-driven Yale students playfully teasing each other. The beautiful set pieces, masterfully transitioned by a well-oiled crew, were just as engaging as the ensemble, and immediately transported the audience to, first, a Yale dormitory, then a colorful old Roman garden in brick and marble, and finally a plush, lavish drawing room all in purple. 
     Charley’s Aunt, a whirlwind of settings, mistaken identities, and love triangles, immediately enraptures the audience in the comedic troubles of love struck students, and their equally troubled authority figures. Marriotts Ridge’s production is an enjoyable ride through the woes, foibles, and hysterical predicaments of the young adults and guardians of the 1800’s - whose troubles are perhaps a bit more outlandish, though in essence, not so different, from those of today.

Permalink Reply by Lisa Satchell on January 12, 2012 at 6:49pm

“I’m Charley’s aunt from Brazil, where the nuts come from.” If this quotation isn’t enough to assure you that Charley’s Aunt is hilarious, I don’t know what is. Whether it was the change of the setting to Yale or the change of the time period to the 1920s, the audience enjoyed every moment.

            In this hilarious farce we meet three college boys by the names Jack Chesney, Charles “Charley” Wykeham, and Lord Fancourt “Babbs” Babberly. Chaley’s aunt, whom he has never met, is coming for a visit and Charley would like her to chaperone his date with Amy Spettigue and Jack’s date with Kitty Verdun. When Charley receives a letter that she will not be attending, hilarity insues as Babbs gets pulled into their scheme and unexpected guests arrive.

            This production was great overall, but some things that really stood out were the comedic timing and organized chaos throughout the show. There were people running around, coming though different doors, identities being switched, and none of the actors missed a beat. It was truly impressive.

            The leads in this show, Jack and Charley, were played by Brian Gilbert and Brady Richards. The chemistry they had on stage showed a great deal in that it was 100% believable that they were best friends and college students. Another great thing about the two of them was that their comedic timing together was so impeccable.

            The supporting characters in this show really helped pull the story along and the ensemble really helped set the scene. At the beginning of each act, the ensemble would do some pantomimed acting that helped you understand that the setting was really a college atmosphere. The supporting characters brought new dimensions to the story with their unexpected twists, believability, and wonderful acting.

            The sets and costuming for this show were truly phenomenal. The sets changed each act and were all equally interesting and compelling. The costuming was so true to the time period they were trying to convey and reflected each character’s social standing and personality.

            This production was great, relatable, and hilarious. Even though there was so much chaos, it was still easy to follow and enjoyable to watch. The cast kept it fun and never stopped making the audience laugh.

Permalink Reply by Miranda Savage on January 16, 2012 at 9:50am

Charley's Aunt

Who knew that romance could be so hilarious? Produced by Marriott's Ridge High School Theatre and directed by Sally Livingston, this show played November 17th through the 20th. Set in the conservative halls of Yale, Charley's Aunt is anything but!

This farcical comedy opens with Jack Chesney and Charley Wykeham plotting to court their beloveds, Amy Spettigue and Kitty Verdun. When it is learned that Charley's Brazilian aunt, Donna Lucia D'Alvadorez is coming to meet him, she is automatically volunteered as the chaperone. They receive word that Donna Lucia is late. In attempts to keep the date, they convince their friend, Fancort Babberly (Babs) to impersonate her. Let the mayhem and madness commence!

Overall, this was an amazing production. All of the elements fit perfectly together, but one stood out as the "anchor" - the set. The little details, such as a bear head on the wall with a Princeton pennant in it's mouth, really added to the atmosphere of the scene.

Ben Bott (Fancort Babberly) brought the already lively character to life. He communicated the essence of his character not only with words, but through little quirks like talking to himself and fluttering his fan when nervous.

The ensemble for this show greatly enhanced the university setting of Yale. As well as conducting set changes, they added cute distractions between scenes. Although backstage voices were sometimes heard, no one broke character throughout.

The technical aspects were pretty good. The microphones were well adjusted for each character's voice, although there were some that did not work all the time. The costumes portrayed the time period very well, especially the wigs - a "bob" style.

This play would be perfect for anyone in high school or older. The ridiculous comedy and happy endings leave one smiling for days!

Permalink Reply by Melissa Kleinberger on February 3, 2012 at 7:40pm

She’s- I mean he’s- my Aunt?
Written by: Melissa Kleinberger

“So it was there by moonlight” the bright shine in their eyes, a slight smile spread about their lips. So begins the story of love. The hope for it, the loss of it, and the search for it once again. Charley’s Aunt, preformed by our very own Marriotts Ridge High School was a phenomenal way to end the week, filled with laughs and an evening full of comedy and love.

The Show opens with a dorm room. You can see Yale posters all over the walls so at first your guessing if it’s a college dorm or just a kids room wishing to go to Yale. It starts off by one guy, Jack Chesney (Brian Gilbert), trying to address a letter to a girl he loves, Kitty Verdun (Alyssa Pacione), before she has to move away. After several failed attempts he gives up and tries another approach. Another guy, Charley Wykeham (Brady Richards), comes in hoping jack can help him write his own letter which he confesses his love to his dear, Amy Spettigue (Sydney Morales). Then one of them comes up with a plan for the girls to meet with Charley’s unknown Aunt who is stopping by for a visit, so that they may be able to see the girls alone so they can confess their love for them. Only they would have to distract his Aunt so they could be alone. A college friend of theirs, Francort Babberly (Ben Bott), who is only wishing to get some of their drink then gets pulled into it after he breaks into their room to commondeer some booze. Babberly, aka Babs, gets pulled into the show when Charley hears that his Aunt wont be arriving for a few days. So begins the confusion and deception because they make him dress up as a women and play as Charley’s Aunt. The show takes off at a break neck pace of people trying to hide the lie which they made. There are several twists throughout the show that will leave you second guessing all that you thought from the start.

When Babs come in to steal some drinks, he hides them all in a bag. When Jack and Charley come back to the dorm just having gone out looking for him they are over ecstatic and refuse to let him leave. They begin a game tossing his bag back and forth, thinking it completely harmless since they are unaware of the drinks inside. Each toss you can clearly see Botts facial expressions horror struck that they may drop the bag. With intents to leave, he only gets convinced to stay as Charley’s Aunt. Coming back onstage dressed as a women, you could hear the laughter and the cheers from the audience welcoming him back on stage. He gets sucked into the lie more and more having fun fooling around with the other guys girls because they are so interested in meeting Charley’s Aunt. Babs plays along until a series of events untwist when he begins getting wedding proposals! So fed up with all the lies he even begins undressing himself on the stage, and Jack and Charley have to hold him down to get the dress back on him.

Both the girls, Kitty and Amy were played wonderfully. The two of them really played off of each others characters really well. They were always seen together and had this sisterly connection that made you feel the closeness between the girls which really showed a big chain of relationships between the characters.

The guys, Jack and Charley, showed another side of a relationship. The connection between the two guys showed a deeper friendship than we knew. The characters all played off one another really well and they all moved about with a thread like connection linking them all to each other in some way, even if they are not on the stage the whole time.

The costumes were a perfect match to that of the college life from older times. They looked comfortable and believable, which is what ever actor could want. The set design was beautiful. From the stained wood siding in the dorm, to the carved stone arches in the gardens, the crew did a divine job with the set pieces.

By the end all three guys get together with the loves of their lives, and even Babs, who spend most of the show in a dress, finds the love he lost so long ago. As well Charley finally meets his real Aunt and even she falls in love again. With one promise that they will love each other forever we end the show with promises that there will be no more lies and deceptions. “Never again…I give you my word and my dress!”

Permalink Reply by Tim Wruck on February 4, 2012 at 2:47pm

Charley's Aunt; From the Chaos Comes Order

 

            In a world of misunderstandings and mistaken identities, is there anything you can trust in?  That is the essential question brought to light in the Marriotts Ridge production of Charley's Aunt.  This enticing story takes its audience on a wild ride of vast fortunes, deceit, and quests to find true love.

            The show begins with a headstand.  Jack Chesney (Brian Gilbert) is flipped upside down in hopes that gravity will somehow pull an idea into his head on how to propose to his girlfriend, Kitty (Alyssa Pacione).  Jack's friend, Charley Wykeham (Brady Richards), also wants to propose to his girlfriend, Amy (Sydney Morales).  The two Yale undergraduates decide to host a small garden party so that they may approach the girls in person.  However, there is a catch.  The girls will not come without a chaperone, and Charley's wealthy Aunt, Donna Lucia (Claire Fremuth), has sent a letter announcing that she won't be able to make it.  The boys decide to go ahead with their plan anyway, pressuring their friend, Fancort Babberly (Ben Bott), to dress as an old woman and pose as Donna Lucia.  Meanwhile, Jack's father, Sir Francis Chesney (Alex Harvey), has found out that he is running out of money.  The alleged fortune possessed by Donna Lucia entices both Francis and Stephen Spettigue (TJ Talcott), uncle of Amy and guardian of Kitty, to seek Donna Lucia's hand in marriage, unknowing that it is actually Babberly that they are trying to seduce.  In the midst of the chaos, the real Donna Lucia unexpectedly arrives at the party, finding an imposter in her place.

            The actors successfully utilized the rapid pace of the plot to achieve a well told story with comedic effect.  Everyone was in place where they needed to be to make the jokes work, and it paid off.  The audience loved the thrill of the many rapid entrances and exits.  If one character remained on stage for a second longer than necessary, another character would surly see them and the illusion would be shattered. 

            Brian Gilbert, Brady Richards, and Ben Bott did an excellent job playing the lead roles.  Their joking nature with one another while things were relatively calm made it believable that the characters were close while, when they began to lie, their panicked and frantic disposition reminded the audience just how underprepared the characters were to support their ruse.  This relationship amongst the boys was both entertaining and it felt authentic, making the performance more enjoyable overall.

            At the top of each act, an assortment of actors dressed as college students would enter to adorn the bare set with various pieces of furniture to prepare it for the actors to come.  They remained in character the whole time, partying their way on and off the stage.  These short scenes were an interesting addition to the show.  Rather than having the   crew complete the set in the dark, these nameless characters would finish it in full view of the audience.  This breathed extra life into the world of Charley's Aunt, creating additional people to inhabit it rather than just the main characters.

            The set was composed of a few small walls and doors for each scene.  Each of the different pieces were relatively simple, but were designed to come together swiftly.  This allowed the scene transitions to be fluid and quick, which kept the show moving at  a nice pace, preventing the audience from being drawn out of the story between the blackouts.

            Charley's Aunt creates a world that is chaotic by nature.  A man runs about in a dress, bottles are tossed across the room, and many an identity is misplaced.  But from that world emerges a gem in comedy that any theatergoer would be sorry to miss!

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