Candida
Like many other avid theatre goers, I have always had a fondness for the atheist, socialist, vegetarian, and Nobel Prize winner, George Bernard Shaw; being primarily familiar with such classics as Major Barbara, Arms and the Man, and Pygmalion. Although Candida was a play on the required reading list at the UCLA Theatre Arts Department, I had never actually seen a production before this one now playing at the Colony Theatre in Burbank.
Reverend Morell, a pompous and self-important preacher, believes that he has a ‘perfect’ marriage. A young and passionate poet invades his home, and declares his love for Candida, his wife. Fearing the worst, he decides to settle the matter and demands that his wife choose between the two men.
Written in 1898, it may not be surprising that I found the first act exceeding dull. Mark Deakins’ over the top performance of Morell didn’t help. Kate Hollinshead’s squeaky, Mickey Mouse voice as Prossy, the love lorne secretary, was also distracting. I never did understand why the character of Candida’s father, (Matthew Henerson) appears in the play except perhaps to show the lower class origins from which Candida springs, or as a foil for Morell’s pretentiousness.
The second act fairs much better. When Willow Geer, as Candida, is given the chance to choose between the two men, she reveals herself to be a most accomplished and appealing actress. Willow Geer was absolutely delightful. I do wish, however, that the play had been directed in such a manner that at least for a moment, we might feel that she could love the poet, Marchbanks, and that there was some small possibility that she would run off with him. There never was any doubt. She toyed with him until the end, without inner longing or struggle. Johnathan McClain was excellent as Marchbanks, but again, where was the ‘real’ love? How can we the audience be touched, if the characters are not?
The set of course was terrific (Michael C. Smith), as was the costumes (Sherry Linnell), the lighting, (Donna Ruzika) and the sound (Drew Dalzell). This is what we would expect from an Equity Theatre. All in all, the production was professional, if a bit cold.
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Theater: Colony Theatre, 555 North Third Street, Burbank, Ca. 91502
Web Site: http://www.colonytheatre.org/
Tickets: (818) 558-7000
Dates: Feb. 4 to March 8. 2009