Elaborate ‘Liaisons’ at Golden West

Tom Titus

Love and romance, in their most duplicitous forms, occupied the

French upper classes in the late 1700s, just before the drums of

revolution began to sound and heads began to roll. A souvenir of this

period is the classic novel “Les Liaisons Dangereuses.”

As adapted in English by playwright Christopher Hampton just 20

years ago, “Liaisons” sparked renewed interest in this pre-guillotine

decadence. Golden West College has mounted an impressive and

elaborate production of this chronicle of emotional cruelty.

With sets (by Wally Huntoon) and costumes (Susan Thomas Babb) so

deliciously eye catching, director Tom Amen faced an exceptionally

challenging task in delivering a production that would not be

swallowed up by the technical elements. He has succeeded on many

counts, most notably in the play’s pivotal character.

The serpentine charm of the Vicomte de Valmont, a past master of

the art of seduction, oozes superbly from the performance of Tony

Zeller, who simultaneously repels and mesmerizes ladies of all ages

-- even those in their teen years who have just recently removed

themselves from a convent.

Undoubtedly, many males in the audience will be coveting the

talents of Valmont, so indelibly interpreted by Zeller. Yet even

master craftsmen have their Achilles heel, as Hampton’s play aptly

demonstrates.

Valmont’s partner in duplicity, the Marquise de Merteuil, is

radiantly interpreted by Abigail Kinnahan, who employs an economy of

emotion to project an aura of coolness and control. As the woman

Valmont truly covets, Kinnahan maintains an arm’s length approach to

her co-conspirator, while luring other men into her web.

Elizabeth Ballard is striking as the plainly costumed object of

Valmont’s open desire, who repels him fervently before inevitably

becoming entangled. Saskia Bailey presents a beautifully budding

virginal flower who presents another, more delicate challenge.

Veteran Golden West actress Renata Florin is a regal presence as

Valmont’s aunt, Rosemonde, while Anthony Cress is properly callow as

Bailey’s lovesick swain who finds his coming of age elsewhere.

Breanna Peters nicely enacts Bailey’s protective mother.

Mark Bedard, last seen at Golden West College in the title role of

“Hamlet,” takes on a minor servant’s role here, but his primary

mission is assistant director, fashioning the numerous stylized

set-changing sequences. Michelle Terrill is an inviting piece of eye

candy as Valmont’s occasional lover.

This being 18th century France, it’s only natural that differences

would be settled on the field of honor. Fight director Christopher

Villa has choreographed an extended dueling scene that tests the

passion and energy of the actors involved.

Huntoon’s elaborate setting accommodates a number of scenic

alterations and reflects a pre-revolutionary decadence. Equally

charming are Babb’s richly textured costumes for all but Ballard’s

character, who is intentionally dressed down.

While “Les Liaisons Dangereuses” may be well more than two

centuries old, Hampton’s 1985 adaptation sharpens its focus for

today’s audiences and deftly illustrates the tenor of the times in

the reign of King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. The French really

did have a word for it, and it translates to “decadence.”

* TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Independent.