Review for Enchanted April
Reviewer: Natalie Shaw
Dreams are a perplexing concept. Why do we have them? What do they mean? Is it possible that we don't actually have dreams, but rather make them up when we've awoken? All of this has been and continues to be explored. Greek philosophers like Aristotle studied it and scientists continue to study it to this day. Personally, I've always believed that God uses dreams to send us messages, or to prepare our hearts for what is to come. So, perhaps when we experience Deja Vu, it is actually something that we dreamt about some nights before the real life situation has occurred. These visions likely represent a turning point in our life, or the life of a loved one, that is about to come to fruition. It may also be that recurring dreams that interrupt our sleep are due to unresolved conflict in our earthly life. Honestly, I don't believe that all dreams have deep meaning like this, but the ones that really sit with us and marinate in our brains--these are the ones that serve a bigger purpose. Our Life's ambitions, or hopes and dreams are not unlike the dreams we have in our sleep, in the sense that they persist and encourage us to resolve our aspirations.
Enchanted April exhibits a turning point in the life of Lotty Wilton, played by the talented Samantha Johnson. after she observes an advertisement in the newspaper inviting "those who enjoy wisteria and sunshine" to visit an Italian villa. Lotty, in need of respite from her daily life as a 1920s wife, daydreams about the peace she would absorb in such a place as this! Ms. Johnson upholds Lotty's true character throughout the play, despite the hardships her character has faced in her uneasy marriage. Lotty does much more than dream (both in daydreaming and in lying asleep) to achieve what she wants, in the most amiable way. Ms. Johnson maintains this motivation to be transformed by the Italian sea air and to convert those around her, namely her archaic husband, through grace, love and compassion. We have the pleasure of observing her groom the other character's and their actions toward her while maintaining an almost Christ-like sincerity of care. It is a most gentle and daring approach that rules in her favor.
The most fascinating transformation I found in this play is that of her husband, Mellersh Wilton, played by Walt Threlkeld. His view of marriage and the dynamic that exists between a husband and wife is primitive, which as we know is more than oppressive to the wife and extremely unequally balanced in fairness. A lesson in female independence initially hits him below the belt, exposing his vulnerable and less domineering characteristics. Later, however, he discovers that, perhaps allowing himself to be sensitive toward his wife is not quite the nightmare he'd envisioned. Mr. Threlkeld invites this transformation in his character in a strategic manner that allows Mellersh's temperament to alter naturally and seamlessly. His portrayal of Mellersh's new-found amenability is heroic and forward-thinking.
Director Rose Anne Holman brings us a story of new beginnings and a chance to be reformed when we are brave enough to step forward and make a change. Set Designer TJ Firneno and Set Decorator Wendy Searcy-Woode display a picturesque setting that is none other than breathtaking.
Costume Designer Michael Robinson and Wig Designer Arianna Movassagh transport us back to the elegance of 1920's fashion.
Enchanted April is stunning in beauty and genuine in sentiment. It teaches us to be both charitable and fearless in our endeavors and with those around us, by inviting us into an awe-inspiring narrative of a most devoted wife and friend. It exhibits the change we wish to see in our modern day selves. It is simply beautiful, like an unforgettable dream.
Accessible seating available. Note that this production contains nudity and is best suitable for mature audiences.
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