by Noah Armstrong
Daily Lobo
There were mixed reactions on Friday to Christopher Hampton's "Les Liaisons Dangereuses."
During intermission, one theatergoer said the play would be better if the best parts weren't hidden behind screens.
This was true of the performance and the acting at several points.
Set in pre-revolutionary France, "Liaisons" portrays the many social flaws of an upper-class group of acquaintances. Characters sleep around with no regard for age or morality.
This would be more entertaining if the sex was either strictly alluded to and never shown or if it were shown in a more visually stimulating manner than being faintly silhouetted. This made it confusing as to which characters were engaging in sex.
Actors Jeremy Joynt and Rachel Tatum show ability in this production, but as with most aspects of the show, it is done with entirely too much restraint. Tatum's character prides herself on her abilities in deceit and influencing others' opinions. She plays the part flawlessly and probably exactly as directed.
Joynt loves his character, and it shows onstage. He takes great pride in his seductive abilities and is confident even in the midst of his overpowering love for a young devout follower of Jesus Christ. Joynt seems to attempt taking his part to higher levels than director Jessica Osbourne would prefer based on the majority of the production.
He constantly touches everything female on stage and often makes attempts to go further with the women of this play.
His main interest is Shandea Williams' character, La Presidente de Tourvel, a 22-year-old Christian who is unattainable because of her religion and her knowledge of Valmont's (Joynt) reputation and the likelihood of him being unimaginably disease infested.
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Valmont's other conquests include a young girl he claims to be educating in the carnal arts played by Seri Deyoung and Tatum's character Mme. Rosemonde.
Deyoung does well playing the daughter of an overprotective mother who this particular circle of French high society uses as a pawn in its games of seduction and revenge. She has her own love interest that Rosemonde and Valmont use to progress their intricate plans to gain influence and to exact revenge on whomever they wish.
Deyoung's character, Cecile Volanges, is stricken by her first taste of love as a youth when a boy she tutors in music shows an interest in her. The boy, Azolan, is played by Ruben Muller. Although he has a small part, he takes it seriously and plays it enthusiastically. Some minor choices in pronunciation and emphasis made by Muller can be forgiven because of his loyalty to accurately portraying Azolan.
Overall, "Les Liaisons Dangereuses" is put together well and stars eager actors. The only thing keeping this production from reaching its potential is the general feeling of restraint. There is a force holding every aspect of the show from its true ability.
Aside from this flaw, it is a show worth seeing for anyone interested in the drama of wealthy French hundreds of years ago.
"Les Liaisons
Dangereuses"
Vortex Theatre
2004 1/2 Central Ave.
Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.
Sunday at 6 p.m.
$8 students, $10 general
247-8600
