Lisa Dupuy
The classically trained actors of Glendale's prestigious theater
company, A Noise Within, apply their significant talents to
storytelling in a production that is beautiful and dreamlike.
For "A Wilde Holiday," director Sabin Epstein takes three Oscar
Wilde fairy tales, "The Star Child," "The Happy Prince" and "The
Selfish Giant," and laces them together with musical poems by
Christina Rossetti and Lewis Carroll.
If there is a connecting theme, it is too subtle to ascertain.
While the songs are beautifully sung, the words are difficult to
understand. Nonetheless, the music and well-spoken lines create a
hypnotic atmosphere that suits the fairy tales' mythological motifs.
Throughout the production are messages of devotion, generosity and
personal transformation and are conveyed most poignantly in "The
Happy Prince." Geoff Elliott as the Prince and Stephen Rockwell as
the Swallow have an enchanting chemistry.
There are no costumes or set decorations, but the actors' physical
and verbal interpretations coax the audience into using their
imagination to fill in the blanks. This is a swallow at the foot of a
magnificent statue in a busy town square.
Deborah Strang is powerful as the main narrator (although each
actor smoothly moves into that role). In fact, all the parts she
plays are infused with intensity. Her portrayal of the Selfish Giant
is heartbreaking yet full of the joy of redemption.
So take a few moments out of your busy holiday schedule to enjoy
fine acting, charming language and a Christmas message of
selflessness and love.
