Talented company at Princeton Summer Theater puts on ‘Misalliance’ — A review | Movies | NewJerseyNewsroom.com -- Your State. Your News.

BY STUART DUNCAN

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

N.J. THEATER REVIEW

"Misalliance" is one of George Bernard Shaw's talkiest plays. In fact he originally titled it "A Debate in one Sitting." Written in 1909-10, it takes place on a single day (apparently May 31, 1909) on the estate of John Tarleton of Hindhead in Surrey.

A talented company at Princeton Summer Theater have tackled the almost three hour project (it is being presented in two acts, but was originally written in three) with great zest and mostly strong results. The talk (there is little plot except to note that two characters enter by crashing in a small plane on the grounds) is a continuation of some of Shaw's ideas on marriage left over from his play of a year or so earlier, "Getting Married," plus more ideas involving socialism, physical fitness, the life force and women escaping from Victorian standards of helplessness, passitivity and non-involvement in politics or general affairs.

If one were forced to come up with a definition, one might suggest "unruly but provocative", or even "flawed but lively. Two examples, the first from "Getting Married" — "Religion is a great force — the only real motive force in the world, but what you fellows don't understand is that you must get at a man through his own religion, and not through yours." Or this from "Misalliance": "I like a bit of a mongrel myself, whether it's a man or a dog, they're the best for every day."

Now it takes a fine company to spout three hours of unruly dialogue, even if it is provocative, and it is here that this group shines. Shawn Fennell not only has directed but plays Johnny Tarleton with enough abandon to make him appealing. Daniel Rattner is a coddled Bentley Summerhays but with the kind of innate hurt that every woman insists on mothering. Veronica Siverd plays Hypatia Tarleton with a devilish coyness that inspires lust. Dominique Salerno finds the right sense of comedy in discussing "drainage" that Shaw obviously intended.

Andy Linz continues to impress with strong performances, this time as the slightly pompous Lord Summerhays, determined to make every speech important, if only by sheer volume. And Rebecca Foresman continues to steal entire scenes, this time by dropping out of the skies. The shift from her "The Heidi Chronicles" title performance is stunning. This is a talent to watch.

It is not what Shaw himself would describe as one of his "pleasant plays," but it avoids pedantry nicely and it is a very rare opportunity to see one of his most thoughtful works.

"Misalliance" plays through Aug. 1st at Princeton Summer Theater at Murray Theater on the campus of Princeton University. Thurs.- Sat. eves at 8 p.m.; Sun. mats. At 2 p.m. (609) 258-7062.