“The Philadelphia Story”
“The Philadelphia Story” is number fifty-one on the American Film Institute’s list of the best U.S. films. It contains much of the dialogue of the original play by Philip Barry, which was brought to life by Cary Grant, Katherine Hepburn, and James Stewart.
The play itself is dated, however, with its story of high society. In fact, the film “High Society” is a musical remake of this play. It still has its moments as a light romantic comedy, harking back to the days when love brought everyone together and you could discover your true self by simply getting drunk.
The plot, which you have probably forgotten unless you recently saw the film, has Tracy Lord (Jennifer Ebert) preparing to wed straight-laced George Kittredge (KevinWinter-Deely). For this event, her prominent family is invaded by reporter Mike Connor (Pat Kelly) and photographer Liz Imbrie (Kelli Eberlein).
The duo was invited by Tracy’s former husband C.K. Dexter Haven (Russ Morris), who has not forgotten her. As the plot thickens, Connor and Tracy also grow close to each other. Of course, everything works out in the end. It turns out that the rich have problems just like you and I, with a lot more cash to soften the blows.
Ebert, brightly playing the Katherine Hepburn role, keeps the “poor little rich girl” plot interesting, and she is quite appealing as she gradually reveals a wish for love hidden behind an outer sophistication. Courtney Cook’s spunkiness as Tracy’s sister Dinah is also a big help in keeping up the energy.
Ralph Schwalm as Uncle Willie and Paul C. Bonnici as the butler are terrific, using the over-the-top characterizations that this play needs. Sandy Reagan and Nelson Rabenold (Tracy’s parents) and Eberlein as Liz add to the mix with their nods towards MGM character acting.
Kelly, in the Jimmy Stewart part, seems too old to play a romantic interest for Tracy. Still, their “too much champagne” scene together, where he breaks through Tracy’s reserved exterior, is a high point. Morris is no Cary Grant, lacking vulnerability behind his haughty self-assurance.
It may not compare to the film, but director Clair Freeman keeps things moving quickly enough in this nearly two-and-a-half hour play (including two intermissions) to make it a diverting evening. And anyway, it sure beats driving all the way to Philadelphia.
“The Philadelphia Story”, June 11,12,18,19, 8 p.m., June 13 and 20 3 p.m., Pennsylvania Playhouse, Illicks Mill Road, Bethlehem, adults $18, seniors and children $15 Fridays and Sundays only, tickets 610-865-6665 or by mail with order at web site http://www.paplayhouse.org.
--Dave Howell, 6/04
(This article first appeared in The Morning Call newspaper.)
The play itself is dated, however, with its story of high society. In fact, the film “High Society” is a musical remake of this play. It still has its moments as a light romantic comedy, harking back to the days when love brought everyone together and you could discover your true self by simply getting drunk.
The plot, which you have probably forgotten unless you recently saw the film, has Tracy Lord (Jennifer Ebert) preparing to wed straight-laced George Kittredge (KevinWinter-Deely). For this event, her prominent family is invaded by reporter Mike Connor (Pat Kelly) and photographer Liz Imbrie (Kelli Eberlein).
The duo was invited by Tracy’s former husband C.K. Dexter Haven (Russ Morris), who has not forgotten her. As the plot thickens, Connor and Tracy also grow close to each other. Of course, everything works out in the end. It turns out that the rich have problems just like you and I, with a lot more cash to soften the blows.
Ebert, brightly playing the Katherine Hepburn role, keeps the “poor little rich girl” plot interesting, and she is quite appealing as she gradually reveals a wish for love hidden behind an outer sophistication. Courtney Cook’s spunkiness as Tracy’s sister Dinah is also a big help in keeping up the energy.
Ralph Schwalm as Uncle Willie and Paul C. Bonnici as the butler are terrific, using the over-the-top characterizations that this play needs. Sandy Reagan and Nelson Rabenold (Tracy’s parents) and Eberlein as Liz add to the mix with their nods towards MGM character acting.
Kelly, in the Jimmy Stewart part, seems too old to play a romantic interest for Tracy. Still, their “too much champagne” scene together, where he breaks through Tracy’s reserved exterior, is a high point. Morris is no Cary Grant, lacking vulnerability behind his haughty self-assurance.
It may not compare to the film, but director Clair Freeman keeps things moving quickly enough in this nearly two-and-a-half hour play (including two intermissions) to make it a diverting evening. And anyway, it sure beats driving all the way to Philadelphia.
“The Philadelphia Story”, June 11,12,18,19, 8 p.m., June 13 and 20 3 p.m., Pennsylvania Playhouse, Illicks Mill Road, Bethlehem, adults $18, seniors and children $15 Fridays and Sundays only, tickets 610-865-6665 or by mail with order at web site http://www.paplayhouse.org.
--Dave Howell, 6/04
(This article first appeared in The Morning Call newspaper.)