"One of the prettiest sights in this pretty world is the privileged classes enjoying their privileges," says journalist Mike Connor in The Philadelphia Story, now at Colonial Players in Annapolis. The show is a visual feast, with well-dressed, attractive characters and elegant furnishings illustrating the lifestyle of a Philadelphia Main Line family engaging in drawing-room repartee.
The most requested show by Colonial Players subscribers, The Philadelphia Story was chosen to open the 60th-anniversary season. Playwright Philip Barry's 1939 play, created specifically for Katherine Hepburn, launched her stage and film career.
The play opens as free-spirited socialite Tracy Lord prepares for her wedding to self-made businessman George Kittredge the next day. This is the second marriage for Tracy, divorced after a one-year marriage to Dexter Haven. Tracy's brother Sandy made a deal with the magazine editor to invite reporters to cover Tracy's wedding to avoid having news of their father's infidelities published. Soon family, ex-husband and reporters become convinced that George is wrong for Tracy.
Director Beverly Hill van Joolen took on a challenging task of seamlessly moving the action between players in the 12-person cast through suggested mansion rooms within CP's in-the-round space. In her director's notes, describing this show as "a rich foray into the quips and quandaries of the upper class," van Joolen noted that it "also addresses the battle of the classes, the search for self identity and conflict inherent in acceptance and forgiveness." Earlier, she said she enjoyed working with a cast that gave "subtle recognition to the film performances while welcoming the challenge of re-creating this great classic."
Helping van Joolen bring this world to visual reality is set designer Edd Miller and a group of set decorators and costume designer Beth Terranova. Terranova has assembled a wardrobe of magnificent costumes, including several vintage ones that lend authenticity to cast members' transformations.
Strong performances start at the top, with Zarah Roberts as regal red-haired Tracy, looking fabulous in every costume, from casual gray trousers to gorgeous evening gowns. Roberts' Tracy is feisty and assured, trading barbs with ex-husband Dexter and journalist Mike while conveying her regret of her shortcomings to project an aristocrat with endearing humility.
