Passionately dangerous

Colonial Players put on 'Les Liaisons Dangereuses,' capturing times in costume, dialogue

Valmont, Merteuil's adversary and master of the double-entendre, is played by John Halmi, who becomes a Lothario capable of winning such diverse women as the Marquise, young Cecile - who will become his eager sensual student - and the devoted wife Madame de Tourvel, who is eventually ensnared by Valmont. Only with this last conquest does Halmi's Valmont begin to experience love.

Becki Placella is astonishing as Madame de Tourvel, confined in her stiff costume. She fears Valmont before becoming susceptible to his ardent protestations of love. When Tourvel finally succumbs to Valmont, it unleashes a torrential outpouring of emotion. When Valmont later rejects this honorable woman, her destruction is shattering.

Cecile, as played by Avra Sullivan, becomes Valmont's eager and apt student, projecting an uninhibited and captivating sensual joy.

Playing Cecile's mother, Madame Volanges, Sue Struve conveys her character's confusion and maternal protectiveness along with an enigmatic quality that signals some cynicism toward her friend Merteuil.

Heidi Toll makes the most of the small but important role of Valmont's aged aunt, Madame de Rosemonde, summing up the knowledge of her peers gained over a lifetime.

Jeff Sprague plays the servant Azolan with an interesting combination of humility and arrogance.

Josette Dubois steams up a few scenes as the courtesan Emilie.

As Chevalier Danceny, Jeremy McKoon is a likable, passive and trusting young man who wins in the end. McKoon displays fencing expertise in a prolonged sword fight with Halmi.

Les Liaisons Dangereuses continues on weekends Thursdays through Sundays through Feb. 28, with a matinee today at 2 p.m. Call 410-268-7373 for tickets.