[NEohioPAL] Review: The Women at The Shaw Festival

[Lawrence Seman]

Review
The Women
at The Shaw Festival
Larry Seman
 
In these days of high-profile philandering Clare Booth Luce's The Women at the Shaw Festival continues to give a venomous voice to relationships poisoned by betrayal. Booth's social satire was a smash hit when first performed on Broadway in 1936. Her wit was honed before she started writing for the stage when she was the managing editor of, and writer for, Vanity Fair. Some of her satirical stories about high society were adapted into a collection called Stuffed Shirts which followed her view of that there is a "fine art" of being "able to slander, criticize and ridicule." 
 
The Women opened to mixed reviews ranging from Brooks Atkinson's, "a workable play out of the withering malice of New York's most unregenerate wordlings." to; "sharp, quick, funny, effective.", by the critic for the New York American. Over the years it has been ungenerously looked at as a stereotype of women framing them as shallow, coniving, and "catty" luvlies who's primary activities revolve around; looking beautiful, shopping, and how to trap a wealthy husband. On the other end of the spectrum The Women has been seen as a feminist text which explores the themes of the modern woman. In either case its revival at the Shaw does nothing to diminish its original impact on the vitriolic commentary of scorned lovers.
 
The play spotlights one Mary Haines, a level-headed socialite amongst a clique of wealthy 
grand dames and garden variety gossips. Mary, played with gracious elegance by Jenny Young, finds out through some "oops" tittle tattle by her manicurist that her perfect husband is involved with the man trap Crystal Allen, given her bimbo best by Moya O'Connell. From here we depart on Mary's journey of self-awareness from the depths of divorce to a newly minted, assertive human being. Sound like a Dr. Phil moment? Not on your life this is more akin to a nine iron thru the rear window of your SUV.
 
Director Alisa Palmer does a marvelous job keeping Mary and Crystal on slow simmer as we watch the steady adjustments in attitudes evolve. It would have been a less than enjoyable evening if the girls were not kept in check but as Ms. Palmer skillfully weaves her actors through Boothe's series of acerbic quips there is plenty of room for laughter and not so tongue in cheek commentary.
 
Chief commediene is Deborah Hay who lights up the stage with her portrayal of the outrageous Sylvia Fowler. Ms. Hay is a delight to watch, from her contortions at the health club, to her busybody machinations mostly done while she flits around in a wonderful selection of impossible couture.
 
Designer William Schmuck's set creates it's own magic with seamless scene changes getting well deserved applause in their own right.

At the end of the day The Women at the Shaw Festival is a delightful summer feast for the eyes and much hearty food for thought.
 
Larry


      
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