This is a strong season for theatre and Lantern Theater’s production of Scapin proves it. Adapted from Moliere’s classic by Bill Irwin and Mark O’Donnell and directed by Aaron Cromie, Scapin is absolutely hysterical and undeniably amazing – everything from the chemistry between the actors, to the puppet work, to the music created what really is one of the best shows of the year.
Benjamin Lloyd as Scapin, Leah D. Walton is Argante (left), Bradley K. Wrenn is Geronte (right). Photo by Jeffrey Stockbridge.
Two sons of two nobles want two women that they aren’t supposed to have and Scapin (Benjamin Lloyd), who has his own views on what’s right and what’s wrong, doesn’t mind going to extreme lengths to help the boys get what they want. Over the course of the play, Scapin manages to hoodwink everyone. And somehow, even after every lie, trick and scheme, every last character gets a happily ever after.
The story isn’t very creative, or very original, and has several of what the play itself mocks as ‘unbelievable coincidences’. But the show is done with an undeniable creative flair. From start to finish, it’s non-stop funny. Quite literally, the audience did not stop laughing, and that can’t be said for many things.
All extremely talented, this cast was flawless. It’s really an amazing thing to see a performance with so much talent and such a strong chemistry. To watch performers use puppets, and do it so fantastically, really leaves a distinct impression upon the audience. Then, on top of having such a spectacular cast, the sets were beautiful. It felt as though you had stepped into another world and they really just added such dimension to the production as a whole.
The best thing that can be said about the Lantern Theater’s production of Scapin is that you forget that there are puppets in use – it becomes natural, and that’s really a hard feat to accomplish.
Lantern Theater Company presents Scapin, adapted from Moliere’s classic by Bill Irwin and Mark O’Donnell and directed by Aaron Cromie, December 3rd – January 3rd at St. Stephen’s Theater. www.lanterntheater.org, 215.829.0395.
