REVIEW: "The Philadelphia Story" at PGD

More Good Theater by Paul Bruce

Director Kristen Campbell-Lynch has hit another one out of the park with her lovely production of The Philadelphia Story at The Players Guild of Dearborn. This play marks Ms. Campbell-Lynch's second time serving as director for the theater and she has given us yet another wonderful night of fun. Working with theatrical pieces from this particular era is always a challenge. The show was written during the "Bigger is Better" era of theater, during which patrons expected the curtain to rise at 8:30 and the show to continue until 11:30. The three act plays of the day are a massive undertaking to stage, particularly when the cast is large, as is the case in this show. Keeping the pacing swift, and the cast moving into ever new and interesting positions within the set is a challenge. The phrase, "Get your lines out and don't bump into the furniture" rings true with these pieces, and everyone involved has clearly risen to the occasion. Ms. Campbell-Lynch's blocking is clean and only those intended to fall over, do so! Assisted with direction by Josh Beurer, the team has created a whirlwind of staging and line delivery that keeps even the most easily bored theater goers awake, laughing, and happy. The show is tremendously funny with an interesting plot that still makes us bubble with delight. Many thanks to these fine directors, and producers Tim Carney and Jennifer Deckert for fashioning the show with such care.

Ms. Campbell-Lynch is also responsible for the show's remarkable set design. The show features the interior of a palatial abode, beautifully appointed with period furnishings. French doors, draperies that festoon floor to ceiling windows, and arched doorways are just a few of the lovely details you won't want to miss. Kudos to Josh Bodary, David James, Gordon Mosely, John Sczomak, and David Wood for their hard work as set builders. Adding to the feel of the era are the charming costumes created by Karen Drugacz, Mary Calder, Diane Manko-Cliff, Leah Cooley, Jenn Deckert, Mr. Beurer and Ms. Campbell-Lynch. The gowns for the show are particularly wonderful. Extra points for outfitting an entire wedding party of the period. Adding to the illusion are the skills of the gifted hair and make-up stylists Fran Stempek, Kimberly Elliott, Delaney Singleton, and Julie Ballantyne-Brown. Achieving the correct "do" for each of the characters must have been a daunting task as all the cast utilized their own hair. Well done! Props for the show were headed up by Leslie Garber with assistance from Diane Manko-Cliff, Anita Ganzak, Karen Drugacz, Delaney Singleton, and Royce Withrow. Few folks realize just how many people are involved in the task of creating everything visual that is utilized in a show with these proportions. Again, well done!

This production was beautifully stage managed by Odera Office, who was assisted by Lauren Danke. Not an easy task with entrances and exits made by 15 fine actors every few seconds! The show's splendid lighting and sound designs were created by Will Daguanno with assistance from Bella Valentini. Together with those handling the operations - Molly Boudreau and Melanie Duff, the show's interesting cues (including the tuning of an orchestra) went off with their usual professional aplomb.

And now for all that gorgeous on-stage talent! The show is headed up by local favorite Kori Bielaniec as Tracy Lord, the young heroine about to embark on a second marriage, not fully realizing who she wants to be, as lots of extra attention is lavished upon her by both her ex-husband and a reporter. Miss Bielaniec, a stunning red-head, is perfectly cast in this role. Watching her character grow from the overly-spoiled daughter of wealthy parents, to someone who has done some serious soul searching (in a short period of time) is remarkable. She runs the emotional gambit from a to z and spits out comical lines with unbelievable timing. A treasure.

The three men in her life, including her ex- husband, C.K. Dexter Haven, reporter Macualay "Mike" Connor, and fiancé George Kittredge are played by Alex Gojkov, David Culliton, and Santi Ramirez respectively. Talk about a trio of talent! As Dexter, Mr. Gojkov is delightfully self-assured and ripe with quick quips and an aura of confidence that makes everyone around him look foolish for even trying to compete for the love of Tracy. He is marvelous in this role! As Mike, Mr. Culliton, is perfectly cast as the reporter with a cynical disposition toward the upper class and his belief that they are all too far removed from reality to be real people. (You'll love his drunken moments of frivolity as he slowly captures some reality of his own.) Mr. Ramirez is simply awesome as the ridged George. Appearances of propriety and one's station in life are excellently executed by this fine actor.

Tracy's family is populated by a quintet of actors including Lillith Tack as her little sister Dinah, Deg Gretz as her brother Sandy, Julie Ballantyne Brown as her mother Margaret, Patrick Davidson as her Uncle William Tracy, and Jeff Flannery as her father Seth. As Dinah, Ms. Trak is a hoot of wise cracks and physical comedy that sometimes steals the show. Watch for her affected meeting with the reporters covering Tracy's wedding in the early part of the first act. You'll be in stitches! As Tracy's successful bother Sandy, Mr. Gretz is a riot of eccentricities. The talented young actor really knows how to portray this type of character who, while quite accomplished, is still a bit of a devil when it comes to engineering a little mischief. So well done! Mother Margaret, is beautifully wrought by the ever delightful Julie Ballantyne Brown. Appearances are everything for Margaret, and keeping them up is not only essential for the success of the family, but also her own emotional well-being. Ms. Ballantyne Brown is inspiring in her portrayal of this character. She is meticulous in the handling of her characters emotions, which invariably escape in spite of her inner strength. The moments of crushing disappointment and rage, that rarely flare up in this woman's life, are masterfully shown. Patrick Davidson's portrayal of Uncle William reminds everyone of at least one uncle who shows up at Thanksgiving. Opinionated, humorous, and occasionally embarrassing, he is superbly brought to life by Mr. Davidson. Forced to pretend to be "father" in an attempt to make for a better family picture (as a reporter and photographer look on) he jumps into the role to great effect. As Seth, Tracy's real father, Jeff Flannery could not be better cast. While it is true that the character of Seth is a philanderer, with attitudes not tolerated by today's audiences, Mr. Flannery takes on this almost unplayable character with great competence, executing lines that convey attitudes that were often accepted during the era, while still rendering the fatherly wisdom Tracy needs to hear. Difficult work and well wrought!

Taking on the role of Elizabeth Imbrie, a photographer who works with Mike, is Casey Murray. This is definitely a difficult role, and Ms. Murray does a fine job in the part. Playing the part of second banana to a reporter (with whom she is actually in love) is a tricky bit of acting. Again, the attitudes of the era, no longer compatible with today's standards, are well portrayed by Ms. Murray. As Thomas the Lord's butler, David Wood is perfectly cast. Mr. Wood is charged with playing the almost mechanical-like servant of the Lord household. One can't help but wonder what Thomas as seen during his days with the family and has been forced to keep hidden, always while executing his duties with toy soldier loyalty. Perfect portrayal!

Others in the cast include maids Elsie and May, portrayed by Sydney Assalley and Samantha Reams respectively. Police officer Mac is portrayed by Mike Parks, and Dr. Parsons is portrayed by Jacob Gilman. Congratulations to the entire company on a beautifully built production.

The show continues its run this weekend and the next, at 8 p.m. on Sept. 21, 27 and 28, and at 2:30 p.m. Sept. 22 and 29. To order tickets, call 313-561-TKTS or order online at https://ci.ovationtix.com/35949/production/1206389.