Word: bruns
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Dates: during 1980-1989
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...first few lines of the Currier House Drama Society's production of The Importance of Being Earnest are truly horrifying. As Lane (Todd Brun) and Algernon (John Goldstone) begin to converse in what are meant to be highly mannered British accents, insidious comparisons immediately flood the viewer's mind--specifically, endless repetitions of Monty Python, or, perhaps, that particularly ill-starred high-school rendition of My Fair Lady...
Falling into the former category are Goldstone and Brun. Goldstone brings to the role of Algernon a languorous drollery that epitomizes the Wildean aesthetic. Brun lets the tiniest hint of whimsy animate his Lane, transforming a minor character into an indispensable...
Even better is Brun's turn as Dr. Chausable; he employs an entirely different British accent to capture perfectly the character's well-meaning but provincial sobriety as well as his underlying lecherousness. And as society matron Aunt Augusta, Emma Laskin drawls each word with a terrifically contemptuous sneer; she may be the only actor on stage who can not only read a Wilde epigram but can squeeze a laugh out of it as well...
...weak and uncreative blocking in this scene and others serves as a reminder that Cocktail Party is Todd Brun's first attempt at directing a full-length play. But while Brun's direction generally leaves something to be desired, he has moments of genuine promise. The scenes with Edward and the Uninvited Guest (Jeff Hass) and the confrontation scene between Edward and Lavinia (Ginny Marston) are wonderful. These scenes obviously are the product of talented directing as well as good acting...
With any luck, future performances will not reflect this lack of discipline. Brun and his cast demonstrate that they are capable of better. Nevertheless, The Cocktail Party is not cause for a blowout celebration...