I think I'm suffering from theatre whiplash. After seeing a madcap musical comedy on Wednesday, last night I got to see a preview of Edward Albee's A Delicate Balance, a serious play that's loaded with interpersonal conflicts, character studies and tension.
Presented by the Alban Arts Center, the drama features a cast of six - a (mostly) dysfunctional family that seems to live a quiet existence, but there's a whirlpool of emotions bubbling just below the surface.
The story centers around an older couple - Tobias (played by Mark Felton), the ever-calm father who tries to be the perfect host, and his wife Agnes (played by Susan Marrash-Minnerly), the one who actually keeps everything under control at all times - especially her own emotions.
They hardly live a quiet life - Agnes' sister Claire (played by Mel Larch) is a constant presence, a commanding, demanding, mercurial and often upsetting force that sweeps regularly through the setting. Hers is the liveliest and most entertaining of the characters - she even provides some musical accompaniment!
The couple is facing the return (yet again) of their daughter Julia (played by Stacie Sheppard), whose life has been a string of failures - especially in the husband department. She's a fragile and overly-emotional addition to a house that's already straining to be normal.
The final conflict is provided by Tobias' best friends, Harry and Edna (played by Rob Boone and TiAnna Toney-Billups), a couple who imposes on their friends after suffering from nameless terrors. Will their friends take them into their home, which is already on the verge of a meltdown?
That's the setup - what follows is an entertaining verbal fencing match, as each character struggles to find their place in the house so carefully maintained by Agnes. The wordplay is a delight, as each character skillfully uses hints, cutting remarks, past mistakes and generally snippy observations in their war of words.
Don't be surprised if you work up a thirst during this show - the bar gets a lot of use throughout, and the alcohol powers quite a bit of the conflict.
Kudos to the actors for an amazing job throughout - the show rides entirely on their mastery of the lines, and they do an excellent job wrangling Albee's carefully-smithed dialogue.
The Alban Theatre is a wonderful setting, especially for a show like this (which takes place entirely in the living room of the home) , and if you're ready to tackle a very serious play (one that does feature some barbed humor) - and the emotions that are stirred up - then you should definitely make time for A Delicate Balance.
The play will be presented April 26 - 27 and May 3 - 4 at 8 p.m. and April 28 and May 5 at 2 p.m. at the Alban Arts Center, 65 Olde Main, St. Albans. Tickets are $15 Adults / $10 Students and Seniors. For more info, call 304-721-8896.
1 comment:
Thanks for coming out to see us last night, Chuck--and for all those kind words! It's always good to see you in the house. And thanks for your constant and encouraging support of theatre in the Tri-State.
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