In their 3rd season, Promethean Theatre Ensemble has mounted Tony Kushner’s freely adapted version of 17th Century playwright Pierre Corneille’s L’illusion Comique into a tightly drawn fantasy about the nature of love. In The Illusion, Tony Kushner’s influence is apparent through his emphasis on Corneille’s poetic language upon which the Frenchman’s wit, sarcasm and spot-on treatment of the nature of love dominates. Promethean Theatre Ensemble, under Russell Berns direction, has assembled a first-rate cast of non-Equity actors all of which render fine work.
The story finds Pridamant (Tom Weber), stately lawyer from Avignon traveling to a cave to seek the help of a magician, Alcandre (John Christopher Brown), to find his son that he banished 15 years ago. Pridamant feels guilt for his actions and he wants to reconcile with his son. The sorcerer conjures up, from the ‘other side’ visions of the son’s life featuring his pursuits of love and his ultimate betrayals. We witness the son, know as Calisto, Clindor and Theogenes (excellent work from Nick Lake), in his pursuit of the art of love. He is totally infatuated with Melibea/Isabelle/Hippolya (Devon Candura) in each of the sorcerer’s illusions. He is aided by the maid Elicia/Lyse/Clarina (fine work from Anne Korajczyk) who secretly is in love with the son. Calisto struggles with rivals for the lady’s hand. Matamore (Blake Williams) is the campy, over-the-top aristocrat and Pleribo/Lyse/Prince Floriame (Steve Gensler) is more dangerous rival for the lady’s love.
The blurred line between reality and illusion or fantasy hones in to change Pridamant forever. Despite a dues ex machine resolution of the play, The Illusion is a most entertaining and well acted show that you’ll enjoy. It is a joyous fantasy on the nature of love. The poetic language, the sarcasm and humor together with the excellent ensemble acting makes for a pleasant theatrical experience. Nick Lake, Devon Candura and Tom Weber were particularly effective.
Recommended.