“The School for Scandal” is in Session

By Catherine Hellmann with Wes Hessel

Written in 1777 by Richard B. Sheridan (no, that is not a typo for the year), “The School for Scandal” has “social elite who put today’s worst social influencers to shame,” according to the press release. Idle Muse’s exuberant new production makes this old-fashioned comedy of manners a very fresh and relevant event. The cast struts out to the tune of David Bowie’s “Fame” on a runway walk, immediately alerting the audience this is no prim, staid, predictable play.

The cast is delicious, reveling in the humor, and obviously having a ball. Lady Sneerwell, played with delight by Elise Soeder, informs her companions that Sir Benjamin Backbite (a funny Cameron Austin Brown) is a “poet” in such a condescending tone that we know exactly what her opinion is about that. When she announces, “I shall plot mischief!”, the audience knows the fun is just beginning.  

Scene changes are handled like short dance numbers, with music by Queen like “She’s a Killer.” The costumes and wigs by Victoria Jablonski and makeup by Jacque Bischoff deserve special shout outs. Bright blue and green eyeshadows compliment the luxurious fabrics and bright colors of the materials. 

Character names indicate personalities: Mrs. Crabtree, Snake, and Mrs. Candour. Eric Duhon as the conniving Joseph Surface, Erik Schnitger as the exasperated husband Sir Peter, and Ross Compton as Sir Oliver (who ably plays other characters in disguise as well) all do very commendable jobs. Caty Gordon is amusing as Lady Teazle; she informs Sir Peter, her husband, “If you wanted authority over me, you should have adopted me, not married me.” Great delivery of an awesome line. 

My daughter also really enjoyed the show, even though she was wary when I warned her it was going to be over two hours and ten minutes – we were entertained the whole time. When I asked her favorite character, she thought Brooks Whitlock’s attitude as Careless and Servants was “really funny.”

Evan Jackson adapted and directed this entertaining, clever show. One of my favorite bits was the use of empty picture frames on the wall that are “sold off” at an auction with actors in various disguises posing as the subjects in the portraits. This is a classic update for our times, because at “The School for Scandal”, “it doesn’t matter what’s being said–as long as you’re the one saying it.” So make sure you’re the one who’s been seen before class is over April 12th – for tickets or more information, go to www.idlemuse.org.

Category: Uncategorized