From left, Taylor Plumley, John Devine and Sonya Richards make plans in a scene from Stageloft’s production of “The Philadelphia Story.” (Rich Dussault photo)
Stageloft Repertory Theater patrons familiar with Sonya Richards’ feisty stage presence won’t be surprised to learn that the young actor soars as the lead in the current production of “The Philadelphia Story.”
Worcester Telegram & Gazette reviewer Paul Kolas agrees, acclaiming Richards for bringing “the gloriously stylized hauteur of (Katherine) Hepburn to her portrayal of Philadelphia socialite Tracy Lord,” adding that she “carries the weight of the production on her elegantly attired shoulders with ferocious determination, acting in an orbit that is all hers and hers alone.”
Directed by Dave Glanville, “The Philadelphia Story” is playing through Jan. 31, with performances at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays. A special 2 p.m. Saturday matinee is scheduled for Jan. 31.
Richards’ dazzling performance helped overcome a last-minute switch, with Jay Dahlstrom bravely stepping in for a very sick Jimmy Strong in the role of Tracy’s brother, Sandy.
Another of the younger siblings, Dinah, is inhabited by Ava Anderson with “such mischievous, delightful, nuanced charm, there are times when she gives Richards’ marvelous ostentation a run for its money,” Kolas said.
The reviewer reserved special praise for Glenn MacDonald, whose take on Tracy’s ex-spouse C.K. Dexter Haven “is full of humorous, rueful affection. … His verbal sparring with Richards is one of the show’s strongest scenes, peeling away the surface aristocratic artifice to reveal the emotional vulnerability that Tracy is otherwise too self-absorbed to notice hidden within her.”
Kolas also applauded the work of John Devine (as journalist Mike Connor), Taylor Plumley (playing photographer Liz Imbrie), Greg Glanville (as hubby-to-be George Kittredge) and Doug Bolduc Jr., in the part of patriarch Seth Lord.
The review makes mention of Stageloft’s newly refurbished lobby and in-theater improvements for handicapped access, all put in place by new owner/artistic director Christine Taylor.
Buy tickets for “The Philadelphia Story” online by visiting the TicketStage service at this link, or call Stageloft at 508-347-9005 to make your purchase.
