Image by Alexandra Lorgu
The Sicilian
By Molière
Factory Theatre Mainspace
Sat July 4 @11pm
Mon July 6 @ 1pm
Wed July 8 @ 7:30
Fri July 10 @ 9:15
Sat July 11 @ 12:30
Sun July 12 @ 3:30
Tickets are $10 at the door.
Reviewed by Daina Valiulis
A romantic romp by Molière, The Sicilian is the story of Don Pedro (Brandon McGibbon), whose possessiveness of his fiancée, Isidore (Trish Lundstrom), ultimately leads to his being cuckolded by Andraste (Seann Gallagher) with the help of loyal servant Hali (Sarah Kitz) and musicians (Sarah Joy Bennett and Isaac Haig).
When the actors are not desperately trying to be funny, the show succeeds. But this only occurs when the comedy is improvised rather than staged. Overall, the slapstick and jokes were obvious and unfunny. There is nothing more unappealing than performers who make a point of making a joke with a “wink, wink, nudge, nudge” sort of grandeur so the audience knows when to laugh. It’s patronizing and cheap and while there was plenty of that in this production, what saved it were the genuine, unplanned moments of comedy: for example, when Kitz can barely contain her amusement at the fact that her ridiculous mustache is so in danger of falling off her face that she holds it with her hand to her upper lip. Or when the curtains don’t fully close as one character leaves and the hand of the performer waiting behind the curtains appears to quickly close it. These were real, natural moments of comedy the performers were good enough to seize that were endearing for a show that was otherwise in danger of being too forced.
When focused on the story, the play was delightful and light and the actors were good — very “Stratfordian,” which can, at times, come across as phony; however, this troupe managed to be truthful and fun at key points. Overall, The Sicilian presents an old story of cuckolding successfully in 45 minutes of delightful fun — quick and (relatively) painless.
If you knew what style was and that Moliere came from Commedia (the broadest form of comedy), you would realize that this show was brilliantly executed and directed. Why do you people who are so uneducated at theatre think you can review a show? It takes years of study and attendance, which you, obviously, have not done.