Event Article

A single, ivory-columned archway sits desolate, like a Stonehenge ruin, serving as the entrance point into the lives of an "old money" family, rich in reputation, decorous and utterly chaotic. Gary Krinke directs the witty, romantic. comedy "The Philadelphia Story" by Philip Barry, initially popularized by the late '30s film version.

Krinke utilizes the smaller, more intimate setting of the Bronwyn Dodson Theatre arena, inviting the audience to attend the nuptials of Miss Tracy Lord, initially played by Katherine Hepburn.

Hepburn portrayed Miss Lord as an arrogant, high society woman, and though Fullerton's Lisa McManus gives a much appreciated character interpretation of Miss Lord, her personality does not hold up to the criticism she receives from other, characters.

Perhaps if the effect of being treated as a goddess by many suitors were apparent, there may have been enough justification from outside critics.

In less than 24 hours, George Kittridge, (Jonathan Petersen) would take his place as Miss Lord's next husband, who has risen from the ranks of middle class to enter the highly fashionable and reputable Lord Family. As an outsider, he's eager to please his fiance, and Petersen performs well as the bug that almost all the characters wish would go away.

Adding to the stress, of wedding preperation enters Miss Lord's ex-husband, C.K. Dexter Haven (Bryan C. Guthrie), with little warm wishes Knowing his character, Miss Lord senses reprisal. By his side are two reporters from Spy Magazine, photographer Liz Imbrie (Kimberly Simpson) and writer Mike Connor (Artie O'Daly).

Informed by her ex, Miss Lord must entertain the two reporters' until the wedding's end or a story containing accounts of her father's infidelity will be published. Naturally, the family seems to be walking on glass on what they hoped would be a private event.

Unlike Cary Grant's subtle performance, Guthrie personified Haven as an outgoing, playful conspirator, forcing Miss Lord off her pedestal as part of his agenda. He makes it clear that Haven's task is not to force her to make the correct judgement regarding her character and wedding plans, but rather, lay the cards on the table to make her own decision.

Unlike Fullerton College's reputation for eyeopening set design, Krinke opts for a more modest but effective set of a few antique pieces in Act One and a gazebo in Act Two.

The size of the stage prohibited any large set pieces-and it's rare to have the actors overpower the set, but the audience need not be hit over the head to imagine the family's wealth. The audience instead becomes a fly on the wall witnessing a slice of life from all angles.