Strong ensemble revives ‘Philadelphia Story’
It is often the case that mediocre plays make great movies. And while Philip Barry’s “The Philadelphia Story” is a cut above mediocre, the 1940 film starring Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant is enshrined as one of the great comedies from Hollywood’s Golden Age.
This droll comedy of manners is currently receiving an excellent revival at the Vortex Theatre. Expertly directed by James Cady and brilliantly acted by a very strong ensemble, “The Philadelphia Story” might not be a great play, but the Vortex production is so well done you quickly forget not only that the play has not aged very well but you also forget (for the most part) the classic Hollywood film that these actors have to compete with — unless of course you have never seen the film, in which case you will want to watch it the first chance you get.
Barry apparently wrote the play for his friend Katharine Hepburn, whose career was at low ebb. The plot revolves around the remarriage of Tracy Lord, a brash perfectionist who divorced her first husband for his imperfections. The marriage is scheduled to take place in the backyard of the Lord’s mansion on a Saturday afternoon, and the play covers the day and a half leading up to the planned marriage. Hepburn played Tracy Lord and Cary Grant her ex-husband C.K. Dexter Haven, who shows up at the Lord estate the Friday before the wedding.
One of the dangers of reviving “The Philadelphia Story” is the inevitable comparison to the film, especially its two leads. Grant and Hepburn had appeared just two years earlier in the classic screwball comedy “Bringing Up Baby” and their chemistry and comic repartee is hard to beat. Sheridan K. Johnson is excellent as Tracy Lord, her manic energy, patrician manners, and nuanced character easily rivals Hepburn. Brennan Foster, a very good actor, has the unenviable task of following Grant in the role of Dexter Haven. It is impossible to forget Grant’s characterization, even for a minute, but Foster does a nice job with the role anyway.
The rest of the cast is equally good. Annie Elliott is adorable as Tracy’s younger sister who sets the plot going when she invites Dexter to the house; Colin Morgan has just the right reserve as Uncle Willie to make lines like “the only thing I know about people and sin is that they are inseparable” funny; and Philip J. Shortell brings dignity and heart to the fallible father, reinforcing the play’s theme of the importance of forgiveness and second chances. Equally strong performances come from Carolyn Hogan as the forgiving wife; H.K. Phillips as the love deprived Liz; Micah Linford as the puritan industrialist George Kittredge; and indeed the entire cast.
Cady has done a wonderful job directing the actors and has designed a beautiful set as well; especially nice are the period perfect props and set pieces that occupy the stage. Carolyn Hogan has done a nice job costuming the actors, although some better than others. Some scenes, especially in the second act, were too dark, but otherwise the lighting design was accomplished. And sound designer Marty Epstein has provided excellent period music. If you want to see why Albuquerque theater holds up against Chicago and New York, see “The Philadelphia Story.” Playing through March 13. Call 247-8600 or go to vortexabq.org for reservations.