Les Liaisons Dangereuses

Les Liaisons Dangereuses

Booth Theatre

December 17, 2016

Photo courteys of Le Liaisons Dangereuses

Passion.  Betrayal.  Intrigue.  The Dunmar Warehouse production of Les Liaisons Dangereuses  presently playing on Broadway has them all.  Liev Shreiber and Janet McTeer are devilishly wonderful.  Director Josie Rourke directs the play with a subtle through line of tension that builds to a stunning admission of devastating truth by the main characters.  The style and smoothness of the production transports the audience into the frivolous and conniving world of 1780s Paris society. 

When La Marquise de Merteuil (played by Janet McTeer) tempts Le Viscomte de Valmont (played by Liev Shreiber) into ruining the reputation of young Cecile Volanges (played by Elena Kampouris), he surprisingly refuses.  He reveals that his plan of seducing the virtuous Madame de Tourvel (played by Brigitte Hjort Sorensen) is more challenging for him.  La Marquise de Merteuil wages a bet with him, and they play a game of cunning manipulation that forces them both to face the truth of their emotions.

Janet McTeer & Liev Scheiber
Photo courtesy of Les Liaisons Dangereuses

Janet McTeer brilliantly plays La Marquise de Merteuil.  She brings a deep level of understanding of the motivations of this complex character.  The gender demands of French society in the 18^th century cause her to develop almost sociopathic behavior that begins to crumble when she loses her power.  Liev Shreiber superbly underplays the cruelty of the character of Le Viscomte de Valmont.  This allows the audience to succumb to his charms and believe the revelation of his truer emotions.  Together these two actors masterfully create characters who willfully engage in a battel of power and seduction that undermines any sense of honor.

Brigitte Hjort Sorensen & Liev Shreiber
Photo courtesy of Les Liaisons Dangereuses

Brigitte Hjort Sorensen is moving as Madame de Tourvel.  Her resolve is strong, and her despair is deep and sincere.  Elena Kampouris is innocent and playful as Cecile Volanges.  Mary Beth Peil is wise and reserved as Madame de Rosemonde.  There are equally strong performances by Raffi Barsoumian, Ora Jones, and Katrina Cunningham.

The set and costumes, designed by Tom Scott, are breathtaking.  Details in the set suggest the building of a new a structure as well as the destruction of old architecture.  This dichotomy is thematic throughout the play.  His costumes beautifully evoke the time period.  They are elegant, yet show slight wear and fraying, depicting the imperfections of that social circle.  Movement direction by Lorin Latarro keeps the scene transitions flowing with grace and smoothness.  Each move of every character is precise and elegant, setting the tone and pace for the production.

Photo courtesy of Les Liaisons Dangereuses

Les Liaisons Dangereuses is a must see!  It is in a limited run at the Booth Theatre through January 8.  Be sure to see it. 

Domenick Danza