ABINGDON, Va. – Barter Theatre’s “The Cure for Love” gives the summer schedule a nice little break from the blockbuster lineup that includes a truly, truly magnificent production of “Evita.”
It’s a new work – in fact, this is its world premiere – and is a simple, one-set “French” drawing room comedy. Although billed as risqué, it is a bit naughty at best and the script needs some serious tightening, but there are still laughs aplenty.
Supposedly inspired by a Dumas novel, playwright Jay Berkow sets the story in a country estate outside Paris circa 1835.
Sean Campos as Maurice de Barthele has just been dumped by his mistress (Amy Baldwin) and is distraught as only a stereotypical Frenchman can be distraught. His mother, the Baroness de Barthele (Evalyn Baron) and his frigid wife (Ashley Campos) are trying their best to console him so that he won’t die as threatened, i.e. with great dramatics, but it is only after they seek the help of his mother’s lover, the Count de Montigirous (Eugene Wolf), that the cure begins to kick in.
Naturally, there are complications, revelations and mayhem, but in the end everything works out, and it’s discovered that there really is no cure for love – but we knew that.
Rounding out the cast are Wendy Piper and Ryan Henderson.
Although Wolf is one of my long-time favorite actors, he falls a bit short here, not because he doesn’t do a good job, but he simply fails to convey enough comic sleaziness for his character. This is a role that seems custom fit for Michael Poisson and it’s too bad he isn’t in it. Nobody does comic sleaze better, especially French comic sleaze.
Still, all-in-all, “The Cure for Love” is a pleasant diversion.
Nick Piper directs.
“The Cure for Love” runs through Aug. 10 on Barter’s Main Stage. For dates, times and reservations: (276) 628-3991 or www.bartertheatre.com.
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