g, it was superb. (I didn’t expect to like it as much as I did!)The timing of mannerisms was tight and abrupt, as well as the speech. To prevent talking over one another, the characters had to have precise cuing from the other actors. The Duchess of Berwick STOLE the show. She’s the most colorful character and most vital to the understanding of the conflict. She dictates her role very well within an embellished gown of supremacy. She has to intersect the other characters’ paths at just the right time. She also has to use a lot of facial expressions to convey her character’s way of over-emphasizing her opinions. Her animations are overstated like a true snobby aristocrat. Traci Scott is magnificent! In fact, if you take her out of the play, the whole thing becomes so lackluster. In fact, the other characters seem purposely insipid to show how much fun, or interesting at best, a little scandal can be.The scenery was simple and purposeful. This is functional in that the eye is not distracted from the intended focus: the characters‘ dialogue. Yes, the setting is important, but not to overshadow the conflict(s) at hand. Some reviews described a mediocre delivery based on the dull scenery. Who cares? The richness comes from the plot itself and the witty presentation, not what flowers are in the vase! The scenery is not eye-candy, but this is 19th century England. How can a stage crew maneuver a mansion on stage? The space available was used wisely (i.e., while the guests danced at the party and when Agatha looks at the sunset.) I think the scenery was appropriate in that it was somewhat unfurnished. This displays how empty the houses of the rich and high-born truly are. They are huge spaces of mostly nothing. They are not meant to be cozy warm abodes. They are meant to be seen as bare and cryptic. These halls of nobility are anything but whimsical playgrounds. I must comment on the vital role of wit in this play....
