Maloney has assembled a cast of varying comedic and dramatic talents. First to appear is Dave O'Brien as Claude, who has a sense of adventure that keeps him at the restaurant and a passion for fine literature that sets him apart from Albert. O'Brien handles most quips and bantering skillfully and is credible in later scenes with Mariette, but was consistently too loud throughout his opening-night performance.
Steven Rosenthal does what he can with the nervous simpleton Albert, the second character to arrive, who rents out cars and does portraits of them.
At his arrival, snobbish Andre Bouville mistakes both Claude and Albert for waiters. Played by Jerry Khatcheressian, Andre is an arrogant man bereft of human kindness, his only discernible virtue his biting wit, which on opening night was diminished by Khatcheressian's hesitant delivery.
Offering the finest performance of the evening, Heidi Toll is cast as the play's most genuine character, Mariette. When Toll arrives on the scene, the action is elevated from believable to riveting.
Joanne Bauer portrays Yvonne, who can't decide whether to stay at the restaurant or leave; she also couldn't decide whether to stay with Albert or leave him. Bauer's double takes and pregnant pauses are consistently amusing.
Heather Tuckfield plays predatory siren Gabrielle, passionately addicted to ex-husband Andre. Tuckfield is a skilled enough actor to make desperation and passion intrinsic to her character.
A check of the program indicates that costumes were chosen by the cast, which explains why they have no resemblance to Paris couture. The program lists 2nd Star President Jane Wingard as set designer and scenic artist, presumably crediting her with the replica of rococo artist Jean-Honore Fragonard's "The Swing," which is prominently featured.
If you go
"Dinner Party" will be performed at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. today; 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday; and 3 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $20 for general admission, $17 for seniors 60 and over and full-time students. Call 410-757-5700 to order. Information: 2ndstarproductions.com.
