Off-Broadway Review: The School for Scandal

Mark Linn Baker and Helen Cespedes. Photo: Carol Rosegg

The School for Scandal
By Richard Brinsley Sheridan
Directed by Marc Vietor
Red Bull Theatre

What's It All About?
Gossip, gossip and more gossip. Mark Linn-Baker and Dana Ivey star in Richard Brinsley Sheridan's late 18th -century farce in the vein of Moliere. Several plots unfold and entwine. Sir Oliver Surface (Henry Stram) returns home after a longtime abroad to test the character of his two nephews, Charles (Christian Demaris) and Joseph (Christian Conn) to see if they are worthy to be his heirs. Meanwhile, Lady Sneerwell (Frances Barber), a widow interested in Joseph, starts some gossip when she discovers he is interested in Maria (Nadine Malouf) ward of Sir Peter Teazle (Linn-Baker) and suggests that Teazle's wife (Helen Cespedes) is herself involved with Charles. Helping her circulate rumors are gossip columnist and critic Mr. Snake (Jacob Dresch), Sir Benjamin Backbite (Ryan Garbayo ), who is a gossip with poetic flare, and Mrs. Candour (Ivey). who deplores gossiping while proving herself a champion at it. The Teazles try to work their way through an unsuited marriage and Sir Oliver, with the help of friend Master Ranji (Ramsey Faragalah), tries to discover the true character of Joseh and Charles.

What Are the Highlights?

This is a classy, entertaining revival. Linn-Baker is the perfect straight man, enhancing the humorous chaos taking place around him.

Costumes by Andrea Lauer enhance the characters -- from elegant and stylish to vulgar (with period Hair and Wig Design by Charels G. LaPointe. Scenic Design by Anna Louizos, Music and Sound by Greg Pliska and Choreography by Paul McGill complete the silly picture.

What are the Lowlights?

I found the pace in the almost two-and-a half-hour run (with one intermission) a bit draggy.

More Information:

The School for Scandal runs through May 8 at the Lucille Lortel Theatre, 121 Christopher St., NYC. Tickets are $80-$100 www.redbulltheater.com; 212-352-3101.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY FACTORS:
-- No content notes. Enjoy.