Candida channels power struggles of marriage

3/09/2010 10:22:00 AM

NEW YORK – The power struggles of marriage are eternal. Witness George Bernard Shaw's domestic comedy, "Candida," written 112 years ago.

The off-Broadway revival, at the Irish Repertory Theatre, while true to the original late Victorian period, charmingly reveals the timeless edge to Shaw's views and provides humorous insight into the ways a spouse of any era can effectively rebel against being taken for granted.

Set in a suburb of London, this 1898 play is about a lopsided love triangle involving a popular socialist minister, his loving, dutiful wife and a sweetly deluded 18-year-old poet in the throes of his first love.

Tony Walton, who also designed the production, directs an experienced cast, skillfully bringing out the eccentricities and subtleties of each character.

Ciaran O'Reilly plays the Rev. James Morell as both arrogant and humble, a genuinely decent man who's also confident in his abilities and superiority. He's complacent about his lovely, ever-supportive wife, Candida, who fondly calls him "my boy."

Melissa Errico is beguiling as the enigmatic, manipulative Candida. Wearing a serene, maternal air, Errico also displays Candida's playfulness, intelligence and gentle sense of humor, as well as her independence and desire to be appreciated by her husband.

Candida realizes that a shy, young protege of her husband, Eugene Marchbanks, has a crush on her. Candida skillfully uses Eugene's tortured secret desire to arouse her husband's jealousy, and soon the two men are engaged in a battle to win her affection.

While Morell accurately calls Marchbanks "a sniveling whelp," Sam Underwood portrays him as much more than that. When not sincerely spouting turgid prose, Underwood gives exuberant physical expression to Eugene, alternately springing about the stage or cowering, fully embodying a likable, emotional, hypersensitive young man.

Even when merely responding to conversational remarks, Eugene will gasp in horror, or droop onto the furniture and cover his head in despair. Underwood, who nearly steals the show from the titular Candida, is just over the top enough to be completely credible as a young, poetic soul seizing the moment and speaking from his heart.

The remaining cast members are perfect in their respective roles. Brian Murray as Candida's blustery father, Mr. Burgess, is a comical force to be reckoned with. Xanthe Elbrick displays perky comedic timing as Morell's adoring secretary, Miss Proserpine Garnett . Josh Grisetti has too little to do as Morell's youthful curate, Alexander Mill, but he does it all with finesse.

Walton and Heather Wolensky have rendered a beautifully furnished version of Morell's parsonage study. The cozy room, layered with richly colored fabrics and comfortable furniture, is warmly lighted by Richard Pilbrow and provides a lovely backdrop for the detailed period costumes.

This production of "Candida" is a fun, perceptive romp through late Victorian sexual politics that is perfectly at home in the 21st century. May the best "boy" win.