Word: blisse
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Since the play lacks any real plot or action, its effectiveness depends on the acting techniques. Wilson has assembled a cast that, albeit inexperienced, has enough native talent to support Coward's barrage of language. Ann Bailen as Judith Bliss--wife, mother, and fading actress--musters just the right amount of scatter-brained style and melodramatic intensity to project this pivotal character. Her dramatic confrontations with the family and guests are some of the best scenes of the evening--she flounces, bounces, and sweeps across the stage in frenzied disarray, acting out her wildly theatrical interpretation of reality. Opposite...
...major failing of the production is the miscasting of Mary Layne Aherne as Sorel Bliss, the scheming, ambitious Bliss daughter. She anticipates her lines on several occasions and her diction is atrocious. Seemingly uncomfortable with her role, her acting is consistently wooden and artificial...
...flat role of the conservative diplomat. Jill Abramson vamps madly in her part as the inane and brainless ingenue, but her squeaky voice, exaggerated walk, and batting eyes quickly become tiresome. Joanna Blum is convincing as the sophisticated woman-about-town who tries (to no avail) to pull the Bliss family out of their hopeless theatrics. She, like Abramson, has a formula of winking eyes and sleek walk which loses its charm after repeated usage...
Egle Zygas's set takes full advantage of the woodpaneled Kirkland room and creates an atmosphere of Bliss ludicrousness with a few well-placed touches such as posters of Judity Bliss's most famous roles. The addition of Henry Griggs at the piano singing (off-tune) at the beginning and end of each scene supplies an unexpected dash of distanced humor...
...Bliss household may be a "featherbed of false emotions," but there is little in this generally exuberant and fast-paced production to stop one from enjoying the high farce which results...