We Can See It Now
North Coast Rep Debuts U.S Premier of French Play
By Alejandra Enciso
I am always in awe with the North Coast Repertory Theatre. Bringing classic, risky works to the stage accompanied -every time- by a flawless, gorgeous design. It is like going to a theater vault and getting to learn all the information in 3D.
Now you see it (Le Système Ribadier) is the work of French playwright Georges Feydeau translated by British playwright Kenneth McLeish. Marie-Louise (Allison Minick) is a widow who remarried a year after her husband’s passing. The new ‘chap’ is Summersby (Kern McFadden) who plays constant tricks on Marie-Louise… her and their marriage. The poor girl suffered the same scenario with diseased Charles. Former husband kicked in the lesson by keeping a diary that captured all his adventures. Turning ‘Lulu’ into a jealous wreck that passed into her second marriage. She just does not trust Summersby by default not really knowing how right she is. How could she? When half her day is spent sleeping. The tricky husband hypnotizes her into deep sleep every time he’s scheduled with a lady friend. A deed he learned by Oriole (John Greenleaf), a somewhat butler/cover who’s taught Summersby ‘everything’ he knows.
Not all can go one way. Shaftesbury-Phipps A.K.A ‘Cheese’ (David McBean) a dear friend of Charles and school acquaintance of Summersby, returns from India to declare his forever love to Marie-Louise. Once realizing his former playground buddy’s lifestyle, ‘Cheese’ breaks the trance of his beloved so she can see for herself, what husband number two is up to. With that, he feels a tacit green light to become Lulu’s lover. But she is still in denial. That is, until distillery businessman Vole (Ruff Yeager) comes into the picture, enraged… he knows about Summersby’s affair with his wife. The thing is, Mrs. Vole is in a trance and does not wake up (ha!).
A very French, very European farce and these pieces, sometimes are taken in a -heavy- manner on this side of the pond. They are tough to digest.
The first thing we see is Oriole who is a drunken mess trying to sneak in through a window. John Greenleaf is great in his portrayal and accent. Allison Minick as Marie-Louise is very innocent yet feisty. Kern McFadden moves the plot well with Summersby and a couple of magic tricks.
I have to say it. I am a fan of both David McBean and Ruff Yeager. McBean with his wit and playfulness, mispronouncing and over pronouncing words, spices up the piece. Ruff with that presence, lightens the stage and rounds out the group work. The same as putting the last piece of the puzzle and you can take in the sight of the completed picture.
Again, I really admire North Coast Rep for taking these creative and content risks. British and French humor is hard to decipher, and it is likely to get lost in cultural translation. At times the rhythm goes s-l-o-w and anxiety starts to kick in. Seeing the same plays both in Spanish and English, I can tell you IT CHANGES. The slightest tone, movement, even hair color can change the whole gist. Really wondering what the end result would have been if this piece was translated by an American playwright. Not being disrespectful in any way. Only curious.
Still, I think it is a nice change of pace -literally- Bruce Turk’s Direction is reflected onstage like a well-rehearsed choreography. With the great vision of the design team Marty Burnett, Mathew Novotny, Anastasia Pautova, Melanie Chen, Peter Herman and Andrea Gutierrez.
Now You See It is currently playing until March 27th. There will be a special talk-back on Friday, March 4, with the cast and artistic director. The times are Wednesdays at 7pm, Thursdays through Saturdays at 8pm, Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2pm with Sundays at 7pm. North Coast Repertory Theatre is located at 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach, CA 92075. Tickets for: Week Nights $46; Sat. Eve. & Sun. Mat $50; Sat. Mat.& Sun. Night $43. Seniors, Students, Military $3 off admission. Call 858-481-1055 or visit www.northcoastrep.org to purchase tickets.
