LOVE AMONG THE RUINS
After attending the exciting preview event for Love Among the Ruins at the El Portal last month, I was really looking forward to seeing this play. So when I, sadly, had to miss the opening night a few weeks ago, I was disappointed.
But that situation was rectified this past week-end when my friend Heidi and I took in a matinee of it. And we recommend that all Angelenos see it in these last two week of its run, as well.
(L-R) Martin Kildare, JoBeth Williams, and Peter Strauss. Photo by Jim Cox, as is the one at the top of this review.
First of all, I need to once again laud the El Portal Theatre in the very interesting North Hollywood Arts District. That place is so easy and comfortable, and all the sight-lines are excellent. When I’m there, I actually feel like I’m watching a show in my own living room! And perusing the beautiful and diverse artwork on the lobby walls is always a bonus there.
As to Love Among the Ruins, at the end, Heidi, (who has been very involved in show biz for decades now, so her opinion is usually spot-on,) said, “This should have been at the Ahmanson,” because of how good it is. I had been thinking the same exact words, but my thoughts also included the Mark Taper Forum as the perfect venue for this show. It’s fabulous at the El Portal, of course, but the high quality of the production is what merited our compliments in regard to it being worthy of a run at those two larger theatres in L.A.
Having two real stars, JoBeth Williams and Peter Strauss, in the lead roles just adds to that overall assessment. Heidi kept whispering that both of them are “terrific!” I loved that.
C.J. Blaine Eldred. Photo by Jim Cox.
Actually, the entire cast do their jobs admirably, which I always appreciate. Even though C.J. Blaine Eldred, as the slimy, handsome, young guy, doesn’t have much to say, he’s especially perfect for his role.
The entire presentation is charming, especially the ending. I had never seen the old original TV movie on which this version is based, but I knew that it starred the venerable duo of Sir Laurence Olivier and Katherine Hepburn. So I did not expect Love Among the Ruins to be funny. At all. Even though Miss Hepburn did star in several comedies back in the day, that genre doesn’t exactly come to mind when you hear those two names together.
But that’s exactly what this play is–a sweet, happy comedy. It’s basically an old-fashioned version of a romcom! It’s a wonderful break from the real world at this stressful time, and exactly the diversion we all need right now.
The premise of Love Among the Ruins is that an older British actress has to defend herself in court against her much younger boy-toy who is suing her for breach of promise. As I mentioned in my promo of the show, that scenario reminds me of Britney Spears and her younger estranged husband; I’m fully expecting him to sue her for beaucoup bucks any day now. So even though this tale will probably appeal the most to a tad more mature audience, the recent familiarity of the narrative should also be of interest to younger generations, as well. (And, as I suggested back then, perhaps Britney should see the show herself, to glean some tips on how to get out of paying spousal support to a user beau.)
Photo by Jim Cox.
I have a feeling that many audience members, no matter their ages, can relate to this tale of first love. And it might give some of the young ’uns a bit of hope for the future!
Although the original telefilm takes place in 1911, writer-producers James G. Hirsch and Robert A. Papazian have updated this rendition to 1934. I don’t remember their exact reasons for it, but I’m happy that the new era gives us better visuals, fashion-and set-wise.
Speaking of the art deco set by Stephen Gifford, it’s gorgeous. So are all the projections of London on the pre-show and intermission curtain. I’m also a fan of the lovely jazz that is played before the show begins.
Heidi and I didn’t realize until the second half, which takes place entirely in the courtroom, that the first couple of rows of the orchestra, which consist of just twelve seats that are somewhat separated from the rest of the audience, are for the “jury” which the “lawyers” address as the action goes on. What fun! (I believe you can request this section when you purchase your tickets.)
One of the beautiful curtain projections. Note that first “jury” section of the audience. Photo by Karen Salkin.
My only tiny complaint is that the court case seems to be over abruptly. It really doesn’t matter to the story, so it’s no biggie, but it is a tad confusing when the proceedings are all of a sudden behind the defendant and lawyer.
On a very happy small note for us uber-literate peeps*, I adore that JoBeth pronounces the word “forehead” correctly!!! It’s “for-rid,” not “fore-head,” even though that’s how it’s written. Because soooo many idiots people have gotten it wrong forever, modern dictionaries now list the latter as an alternative pronunciation, but that’s not how the word was meant to be. (Find an old dictionary, not on-line, and see for yourselves.) So, JoBeth—you go, girl!!! (No wonder she and I were together on the winning team of an afternoon of Charades several years ago!) *[Note: I’m sure that not one other audience member has noticed it for the entire run of the play, but that one correct word made my heart sing!]
The happy curtain call. Photo by Karen Salkin.
I have one last comment about the El Portal—this mid-size theatre seems to always attract known actors for its productions. Now they have JoBeth Williams and Peter Strauss in this show, and then movie star (and, very surprisingly, accomplished cellist!,) Dermot Mulroney and Tony-award winner Beth Leavel are due to star in the upcoming-in-2024 musical Mack & Mabel. You know it’s special when a very easily-accessible theatre can do that.
Love Among the Ruins running through November 5, 2023
5269 Lankershim Blvd. North Hollywood
818-508-4200 www.elportaltheatre.com
