A "You Be the Critic" submission
“Ten Chimneys,” a play written by Jeffrey Hatcher and directed by David Edgecomb, is the latest production at Cyrano’s Theatre Company. The time is 1938. Lynn Fontanne and Alfred Lunt are starting rehearsals to perform in Anton Chekov’s “The Seagull” and are hosting the other actors at Ten Chimneys, their idyllic estate in Wisconsin.
Everyone in the cast performs brilliantly. Elizabeth Ware is outstanding as Lynn Fontanne; she absolutely nails the role and for us becomes the definitive Lynn Fontanne. Aaron Wiseman is a wonderfully flamboyant Alfred Lunt. Scarlet Kittylee Boudreaux’s performance as Hattie is delightfully spiteful. Tamar Shai gives a polished performance as the ambitious and complicated Uta Hagen. Jerry Dale McDonnell credibly portrays the emotional and sensitive sides of the villainous character actor Sydney Greenstreet. Ursula Gould adds believable spunk to the under-appreciated Louise Sederholm and Jamie Nelson is charming as the equally unappreciated Carl Sederholm.
The play with its witty lines and entertaining dialogue moves at a fast and succinct pace. The scene where Lynn and Alfred rehearse several times with escalating emotional tension using the realistic dialogue techniques they are credited with having developed is especially entertaining.
The delightful set created by Margret Hugi-Lewis allows the audience to feel like another guest sitting on the grounds of Ten Chimneys watching the plot unfold.
Director Edgecomb’s interpretation of Jeffery Hatcher’s work results in a wonderful evening of theatre and gives honor to the theater legends “Ten Chimneys” portrays. This is a play one should not miss; a rare combination of superb acting by a seasoned group of Anchorage actors with a wonderfully crafted script. It’s not necessary to know the history of the Lunts theatrical career or Chekov’s “The Seagull” to enjoy this entertaining and interesting production.
Performances take place at 7 p.m. Thursday - Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday through May 27 at Cyrano’s, 413 D St. See the posting below for a special ticket offer.
— Audrey Weltman Kelly
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