Catch Hay Fever at 2nd Story Theatre

The second show in rep for the summer at 2nd Story Theatre in Warren is Noel Coward’s Hay Fever. Set in the 1920s, the comedic romp about the eccentricities of theater folk was written by Coward as a kind of affectionate tribute to the families with whom he spent so much time. This is exactly the sort of fare seasonal summer theater-goers are looking for.

In Hay Fever, the Bliss family, more stewed than steeped in the traditions of the theater, is enjoying a weekend at their country house, and each has a guest. The cottage is a grand, elegant place. It is the same set used for And Then There Were None, but specialized lighting allows for a different tone and affect. Although I love new work and appreciate the stripped down stages used by many smaller theaters, it is nice now and again to see a fully dressed stage, real mood lighting, and detailed, period costumes. Proper kudos goes to Marc Tiberius II (lighting design), Karl Pelletier (set design) and Ron Cesario (costume design) who have created a feast for the eyes this summer. The beginning of Act Two is a particular delight when all the gentlemen appear in tuxedos, having dressed for dinner.

Joanne Fayan as Judith Bliss commands the stage and the spotlight continuously.  Judith Bliss is an aging theater diva, just retired from the stage, and will stop at nothing to be the center of attention. Her novelist husband, David, played with a sexually ambiguous affectation by John Michael Richardson, supports her endeavors, when not strutting around begging for his own morsel of attention. The grown children, Sorel Bliss (Rachel Nadeau) and Simon Bliss (Patrick Mark Saunders), are a reflection of their mother – both drama queens and generally ill-behaved. Billed as a comedy of manners, Hay Fever plays more like a contest of outrageous behavior.

Joanne as Judith Bliss is larger than life, enacting great bits to elicit laughter and applause from the audience. At one point she performs a dance interpretation. Fayan is brilliant as she rolls on the floor, twirls about and uses her scarf more than her body for movement. Richardson and Saunders as father and son Bliss are also independently outrageous, each absorbed in his own character. Unfortunately, Nadeau as Sorel seems amateurish and unfocused, not really sure of her character’s intent. In fact, there are what seem to be a few lapses in direction. Director Ed Shea is usually the task-master. Perhaps this time he left too much to the actors. While we accept that the Bliss family argues a lot, the fights come off a bit too acerbic, nearly derailing the production.

The supporting actors are quite fine, although it may seem easier to play the straight man; with this family one never knows what is going to happen next. Sandy Tyrell (Brendan Macera) arrives invited by Judith, but is seduced by Sorel. Myron Arundel (David Sackal) comes in as the obvious object of Simon’s affection, totally comfortable with his character. He and Saunders have a great bit of physical comedy. Richard Greatham (Nicholas Thibeault) and Jackie Coryton (Amy Thompson) arrive together by chance. Both are clearly professional and comfortable on stage and they look like caricatures, he the tall, handsome, square-shouldered man and she the quiet, doll-like woman. Poor Miss Coryton finds herself mortified and nearly married to Simon. How did that happen?

Hay Fever continues in rep at 2nd Story Theatre in Warren through August 31. Check website for times and ticket prices: 2ndstorytheatre.com or call the box office at 401-247-4200, or email boxoffice@2ndstorytheatre.com.