Quartet | Quartet - Opens February 29 |
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Quartet
By Ronald Harwood Directed by Christopher Sarnowski Feb. 29, March 1,2,6,7,8,9,13,14,15  Four former opera soloists, residents of a home for retired arts professionals, plan a dramatic comeback … well, of a kind. As they endeavor to whip into shape their signature quartet from Rigoletto, high comedy ensues: nerves begin to fray,sparks start to fly, and past grievances and mutual suspicions rise to the surface. But at the end of the day, art conquers all… after a fashion. By the celebrated author of The Dresser. ★ Heartwarming • Fun-filled • Touching ★In the bittersweet comedy Quartet penned by Ronald Harwood, celebrated author of The Dresser, four former opera soloists orchestrate a dramatic return to the stage ... in a manner of speaking! What unfolds is less an intricate plot than fantastic character development, as we make the acquaintance of tenor Reginald, mezzo-soprano Cecily, baritone Wilfred, and a new arrival, soprano Jean. But what’s an opera without over-the-top drama. So ... Jean was once married to Reginald, and Wilfred is still in love with Cecily, half-senile, but with one bawdy past. And when the four, formerly among the brightest stars of the operatic world, are asked to sing their signature quartet from Rigoletto for the home’s annual Verdi birthday bash, high anxiety ensues. Prior to Jean’s arrival, their existence was predictable and monotonous, but as memories of past grievances kick in, nerves begin to fray, sparks fly, and mutual suspicions reappear. As they grapple with old grudges and even older vocal cords, assorted jealousies and idiosyncrasies ebb and flow. The play deftly explores what happens to aging stars as they confront the passage of time versus memories of stardom. Yet, beyond the trials of old age, the author also demonstrates the sunset years as a time for reconciliation and reflection. While the aches and pains of aging give the play its laughs, the story allows each character to express what is in their individual hearts. And what about the actual performance? One might say that art transcends all ... after a fashion.
Harwood’s long record of artistic accomplishment spans nearly half-a-century. Early in life he pursued a career as an actor, but turned to writing plays, novels, and non-fiction, exhibiting a fascination with the live stage and performing artists. Over the decades he has achieved renown in London’s West End, throughoutEurope, and in America. Also a prolific creator of screenplays, Harwood won the Academy Award in 2003 for his script for the film The Pianist. |
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