THERE IS NO TRIFLING WITH LOVE/ON NE BADINE PAS AVEC L’AMOUR by Alfred de Musset (Théâtre français de Toronto). To November 8. $29-?$46. 416-?534-?6604. See Continuing. Rating: NNN
Mixed affections
THERE IS NO TRIFLING WITH LOVE/ON NE BADINE PAS AVEC L’AMOUR by Alfred de Musset (Théâtre français de Toronto). To November 8. $29-?$46. 416-?534-?6604. See Continuing, page 91. Rating: NNN
Young love zigzags between light romance, comedy and heartbreak in Alfred de Musset’s 19th-?century French play On Ne Badine Pas Avec L’Amour (There Is No Trifling With Love). It’s a curious mix, with the more serious elements winning out in the Théâtre français de Toronto show (with English surtitles November 1 and 7).
A baron (Raymond Accolas) intends that his worldly son Perdican (Nicolas Van Burek) and his reserved niece Camille (Julie Le Gal) wed, but while the young man is willing, the independent young woman has other plans. Miffed, Perdican woos the village maid Rosette (Mélanie Beauchamp). Romantic liaisons teeter back and forth for the rest of the play until a sharp turn toward tragedy near the end.
Director Diana Leblanc’s production is strongest in the episodes involving the three young lovers, notably a fountain scene between the excellent Van Burek and Le Gal, he impetuous and determined, she shading her feelings and equally set on choosing her own path in life.
The other standout is Viola Léger’s rustic choral figure, offering advice and poetic philosophy with a wise acceptance of fallible human nature.
Despite the work of talented actors Louise Nolan and John Gilbert, the comic figures are too broadly drawn and not very funny.
Yannik Larivée’s design, though, is a plus. A series of screens with floral decoration or projections of classical paintings suggest countryside scenes and rich manor houses, stylishly lit by Steve Lucas.jk
