|
 |
| Marc Kudisch stars in Signature Theatre's production of “The Witches of Eastwick.” (Photo by Scott Suchman)
|
|
Not since “Urinetown” two years back has Signature Theatre staged as exuberant a production as its better-late-than-never American premiere of “The Witches of Eastwick.”
Each is a musical with plenty of dark humor. “Witches,” however, benefits from being in Signature's new production space, which allows the creative team to reach higher, literally and figuratively.
The new production is derivative of the 2000 London West End debut of this musical - like the current show, directed by Eric Schaeffer - which itself was based on a 1987 motion picture that sprang from John Updike's 1984 novel.
Some of the London critics were let down by that production, calling it more a commercial enterprise than a creative undertaking (in a Cameron Mackintosh show? - no way!). And yes, the American incarnation has the markings of a show that is trying to appeal to a broad array of box-office patrons, from the high-brow to the easily-titillated masses. Nothing wrong with that.
(FYI, the book, lyrics and music for this show are by the creative team of John Dempsey and Dana P. Rowe, who also collaborated on Signature's 1998 American premiere of “The Fix,” another Mackintosh vehicle that had its genesis on the London stage.)
For those who caught the West End “Witches” production, which closed after a run of just 15 months, some things have changed. A few songs have been added or cut, the first act was reworked, and the updated production is described as more edgy and overtly sexual, if that is possible, than the London run.
It's also a more intimate experience, with the 260-seat MAX Theatre at Signature a bit more close-quartered than the sprawling, 2,000-plus-seat Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London where this show first met the world.
Plot? A small, conservative, gossipy Rhode Island town finds itself the new host to a wild new arrival, who certainly intimates he is the devil incarnate. The newbie, who goes by “Darryl Van Horne,” quickly seduces three of the townswomen. Mayhem ensues.
For those keeping score, the movie featured Jack Nicholson as the seducer and Cher, Susan Sarandon and Michelle Pfeiffer as the seducees.
Schaeffer has reached to Broadway to pluck Marc Kudisch as the lead. It was an inspired choice, as Kudisch is a standout.
Emily Skinner, Christiane Noll and Jacquelyn Piro Donovan are the three “witches,” and they work exceptionally well, both in individual performances and as an ensemble. Each showcases a strong set of pipes.
Karlah Hamilton is exceptionally solid as the town's domineering matriarch, none too happy that the newcomer has arrived and constantly doing battle with him. Harry A. Winter is her sad-sack of a husband, while Erin Driscoll (who nabbed a Helen Hayes Award for “Urinetown”) is her daughter, in love with the son (James Gardiner) of one of the outcasts.
(Among the supporting cast, David Covington gets the coveted “lookin' good!” accolade for the scene in which all the men's shirts come off.)
Young Brittany O'Grady is both polished, and a hoot, as an odd little girl who pops up throughout, while Scott J. Strasbaugh is solid as the devil's assistant, Fidel.
Director Schaeffer, who earned positive reviews from the London critics even as they were iffy on the show itself, clearly knows the material. His deft touch is evident; Schaeffer's tendency is to never let his performers' pace slacken, and that's a good thing. What might have been leaden at three hours was vigorous at less than two and a half.
There are more hits than misses among the 15 musical numbers, including a few rousing pieces in the first act. The lyrics may never hit the mark of a Cole Porter, but they rarely disappoint.
Musical director John Kalbfleisch gets a lot of versatility out of his 11-member orchestra.
Choreographer Karma Camp's usual high level of work is on display here, and the 1960s costumes (credit Alejo Vietti), lighting design (Chris Lee) and sound design (Matt Rowe) all work to aid the feel of the production.
You may (or may not) see better theater in the local area this summer. But you're unlikely to have more fun in the process than with this production. It's a crowd-pleaser.
“The Witches of Eastwick” runs through July 15 at Signature Theatre, 2800 South Stafford St. in Arlington.
Performances are Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $38-$62.
Because of adult themes and language, the show is not suitable for those under age 14.
For tickets, call (703) 820-9771 or see the Web site at www.signature-theatre.org.
