Centerstage - Chicago's Original City Guide

Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Navy Pier
Tickets: 312-595-5600
Through January 21, 2001

"No person should be permitted to kill characters or run down reputations, but qualified old maids and disappointed widows." So says Sir Peter Teazle of Sheridan's The School for Scandal, now playing at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Every minute of this play shows you why it is such a classic. And so timely. Presented here in a production that originated at Canada's Stratford Festival, Brian Bedford's production of The School for Scandal is a delight.

Set in 1777 London, Sheridan's play takes us on a journey through the London society of the time. Sir Peter Teazle (Mr. Bedford) has taken himself a young wife. This action in itself is enough to start the scandalmongers talking, but when it is rumored that Sir Peter's wife may be involved in an indiscretion with the handsome young gentleman Joseph Surface (Donald Carrier), the gossips are off and running. Acting as the social barometers of London, Lady Sneerwell (Patricia Collins), Mrs. Candour (Lally Cadeau), Crabtree (the outrageously funny Keith Dinicol) and Sir Benjamin Backbite (Tim MacDonald), hiss and spit their way through the play, taking aim at unsuspecting targets and hitting their marks every time. Lady Teazle (Michelle Giroux), not feeling appreciated by her husband, arranges a liaison with the hypocritical cad Joseph Surface, only to have it foiled by her husband. Meanwhile, Sir Oliver Surface (James Blendick), returning to England a wealthy man (and looking for someone to name as his heir) decides to test Joseph and the destitute Charles Surface, his nephews, to see which is worthy of receiving his vast fortune.

Director Brian Bedford has woven a tapestry of deceit into his production, and has succeeded in creating a world that is highly stylized, highly comic, yet has an emotional core. Balanced with the hilarious gossip scenes are moments with Sir Peter and his wife that are authentic and touching. The scenic design and costume designs, by Ann Curtis, are first rate. The rotating panels in the doors are efficient and effective, and the costumes are beautifully detailed.

The actors are all perfect in their roles. Mr. Bedford plays Sir Peter with an unflagging sense of humor through his curmudgeonly exterior. The gossip Crabtree is played with wild-eyed humor by Keith Dinicol, Donald Carrier is wonderfully slimy as Joseph Surface, and Michelle Giroux gives Lady Teazle an irresistible vulnerability.

The School for Scandal is truly a first-rate production. See it if you can.