Alexis Piron’s modest, erudite output includes 1738’s La Métromanie. “which means, more or less, The Poetry Craze (“Metro” from “metrum,” Latin for poetic verse, and “mania” from… Oh, never mind.)” Playwright David Ives. Piron was rejected by Louis XV and The French Academy for penning the scandalous Ode à Priape = Ode To The Penis.
His then modern chronicle was inspired by Voltaire’s publicly stated ambition to marry poet Mademoiselle Malcrais de la Vignesight sight unseen, based on her talent, and of the revelation that exposed the foolishness of his hopes. Apparently the original is a sketch compared to the intricate machinations shared here.
Adam Lefevre and Christian Conn
You may be more familiar with All in The Timing or Venus in Fur than Ives’ now three matchless “translaptations” of French verse comedy. I can imagine no other artist with the alchemic skills to create such deft, intoxicating, unregenerate fun; perhaps a contemporary amalgam of Shakespeare, Moliere, Tom Stoppard, and his own exceptional self.
The bombastic Francalou (Adam Lefevre), a bluestocking in whose lavish home we find ourselves, has written a play (in verse, of course) to be performed for his guests. Among these are a trove of possible suitors for vacuous daughter Lucille (Amelia Pedlow) who can think of only verse- especially sheep and shepherds, and those who write. She’s a metromaniac. “Crazy for subways, huh?”
Adam Green, Amelia Pedlow, Noah Averbach-Katz; Amelia Pedlow
Having crashed the party as “Cosmo de Cosmos,” verse writer Damis (Christian Conn) hopes to meet Meriadec de Peaudoncqville (say it aloud), a published poet who never shows herself. An alias is employed partially because Damis abhors his host’s oeuvre.
The young, debt-ridden law student has been playing hooky on his Uncle Baliveau’s dime (Peter Kybart) in order to pay heed to the muse. “He works all day but never does a thing./He’ll pace, he’ll moan, stand on one leg, he’ll sing./Most of the day he spends inside his mind –/His head stuck firmly up his own behind…” “So he’s a poet.” In fact, the hero has a play opening this very evening, again, under a pseudonym.
Adam Green and Dina Thomas
Damis’ valet Mondor (Adam Green) is delighted to be in proximity of house servant Lisette (Dina Thomas) whom he pursues. (Lisette acts as Machiavelli in this rondo of a tale which also includes a thrice credited poem and an ancient grudge.) Why, Mondor wonders, doesn’t his master wed prize catch Lucille-making things convenient?
A swain who does want Lucille, Dorante (Noah Averbach-Katz) asks for Lisette’s help assuming he’s in competition with Damis who couldn’t care less. Unfortunately with no talent for couplets, having twice flunked French, the latter is at a loss.
Adam Lefevre and Peter Kybart
That’s everyone, though not necessarily under a name you’ll first hear. Between the play within the play (in which characters act themselves) and pretense, noms de plume proliferate like milkweed. (It’s not an issue. Really.) The fourth wall evaporates and resumes with narration. We even get a plot review at the beginning of Act II.
Fluent combination of period phrasing, literary references, tabloid seduction and clever rhymes- “…lipstick/cupid’s dipstick”, lead us merrily to denouement and finale one can’t possibly anticipate.
The cast is outstanding with special mention to Adam Green and Amelia Pedlow for sublime moments.
Director Michael Kahn of The Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington has directed all three of Ives’ 17th and 18th Century pieces. He has a extraordinary finesse, an aesthetic eye, perchance for elegant silliness, and the pacing of a skilled musician.
Peter Kybart, Dina Thomas, Adam Green, Adam LaFevre, Christian Conn, Noah Averbach-Katz and Amelia Pedlow
James Noone’s Set is wonderfully storybook. A cut-out sylvan glade (oft employed) stands in the middle of Francalou’s well appointed great hall ready for the host’s play.
Murrell Horton’s Costumes and Wigs by Dori Beau Seigneur are period perfect, beautifully detailed, flattering and fun.
Composer Adam Wernick offers just the right tickling, symbiotic music.
Photos by Carol Rosegg
Opening: Adam Green, Dina Thomas, Adam LaFevre, Christian Conn, Amelia Pedlow and Noah Averbach-Katz
Red Bull Theater presents
The Metromaniacs by David Ives
Adapted from La Metromanie by Alexis Piron
Directed by Michael Kahn
The Duke on 42nd Street 229 West 42nd Street
Through May 26, 2018
