THEATRE REVIEW: Triumph of Love

It is very tempting to review the play TRIUMPH OF LOVE at Millbrook Playhouse with, “Loved the cast, didn’t care much for the play”. It deserves more.

Think AS YOU LIKE IT meets PRINCESS BRIDE with an interesting score and you have the play. It almost worked.

Ah, but the cast! Each member of this well balanced group was excellent. The energy alone made up for the weak book, but then the voices, choreography, sets, and costumes were added.

The first thing that jumps at the audience was the set, a formal garden and elegant country manor. The fact that the “trees” were movable gave a hint to what was coming later. The costumes were an attempt at “fairy tale” medieval and were perfect for each character… the wristwatches and other anachronisms were also a sign not to take the action too seriously. Edward K. Ross was the set designer and Jonathan Southwell was head of costumes and they deserve special recognition.

I hope that I have left room for the outstanding cast. Each demands space of his/her own. Believe me there were no small parts. Marc de la Concha as the gardener and Ali Kresh as the servant with an active libido were as great as I expected. These two have become two of my reasons for going to Millbrook.

Michael Bradshaw Flynn and Elizabeth Hake as the romantic leads and Rachel Flynn, the rather prim aunt, have terrific voices. Both of the women had impressive ranges and should be able to carry a variety of roles in the future.

Young Johnny Haussener (Harlequin) and Kyleigh Barler (a servant) should have been small parts, but they were noticed. It has been fun to watch these two actors mature at Millbrook. Both voices are turning out to be impressive.

Now to my favorite part of the evening - Dax Valdes. The name was familiar because Dax has played some small roles and been choreographer for several shows in the past. His choreography is always great; his acting, O.K. What a surprise he turned out to be. He can sing. He can do broad comedy. And, of course, he can do pratfalls with the best of them. He should make a name for himself in one of these areas.

It will be fun to watch these talented actors go on with their careers. Most of them will be in A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM later this season. I can not wait!