Cappies Review: 'The Love Doctor' At Meridian High School

The following is a student review of "The Love Doctor" at Meridian High School, which was performed March 23 to 25.

By Abigail Camp of Robinson Secondary School

The curtain opens slightly to reveal a 17th-century Frenchman with exquisite taste in lavish wigs and pantaloons. He regales the audience with a preface of what they are about to behold: a scrappy sketch he wrote for the King of France. However, as the stage is revealed and the orchestra begins to melodize, audiences soon understand that Meridian High School's production of "The Love Doctor" is nothing short of mesmerizing.

First performed for King Louis XIV himself in The Palace of Versailles, "The Love Doctor" is a play written by Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, more commonly known as Molière, in 1665. Formerly known as L'Amour mèdecin, this play has been translated into English. Given its duration of availability, it can now be subject to alterations and varied interpretations by those producing it; a task at which Meridian High School excelled. The story follows a clumsy and self-centered man named Sganarelle whose only chance to redeem himself with his wife is to come home with enough money to take care of his daughters. As his deceitful shenanigans erupt into hilarious chaos and mania, Sganarelle learns how far a lie can spiral as audiences roar with delight.

Unifying the entire show through comedically timed tunes was the onstage orchestra of this production. "The Love Doctor Orchestra" made witty references to modern culture with a historic flair that all members of the audience could appreciate. Not to mention, they complimented the excellent projection of each actor speaking without a microphone!

Matthew Bloss-Baum was a charming yet foolish Sganerelle, truly honoring the character that Molière wrote all those years ago. Bloss-Baum's ability to shift vocal pitches to differentiate between characters was very strong and it proved diligence in regard to character analysis on the actor's part. Isabel Pierce, Sganerelle's on-stage wife, commanded the stage with a militant, booming voice that clued audiences in on the power dynamic of the two's marriage.

Katie Rice and Abby Fred, playing Lucile and Sabine respectively, worked in tandem, capturing both the attention and the hearts of all. Katie Rice's flamboyant physical comedy was contrasted by Abby Fred's more subdued yet energized shyness, making for a duo of sisters who were easy to root for. Ranging from handstands in hoop skirts to Irish Jigs across the stage, the featured characters of this production showcased their vast talent pool to every seat in the house.

Costume crew members Geneva Kozma, Jamie Williamson, and Sophie O'Hara paid precise attention to detail when designating a signature costume color for each young couple. The contrast of Lucile and Valere (Declan Kennedy) in yellow and Sabine and Leandre (Hugo Ratheau) in green was a charming touch that made differentiating between the two storylines very clear and understandable.

The set, led by Augie Reitmeyer and the Meridian Technical Theater Class, was an impressively large, and extremely dynamic single structure that gifted the audience with a visceral experience of 17th century France. From the inner workings of the internal stairwell to the extravagant balcony that could be accessed by means of a door or ladder, this design was functional in a plethora of ways.

Meridian High School's production of "The Love Doctor" was a delightful mix of melodrama and comedy that was highlighted by the technical designs of the crew. In the words of Sganarelle, "Isn't it nice when everything gets wrapped up with a bow?"