The Language of Few

Sure, I was only going because my sister-in-law was in this production. Sure, I was going because I got to drive up to flagstaff and treat my new doggy to his first experience of snow. Sure, I know not a lick of french. It didn't matter. The language of love may have been the language of few, but everyone watching was able to understand the point behind the words in La Confrerie de Theatre Francais

The night started early, 6pm, and began with Territoire Sans Lumiere, a short one act by Yves Nilly. A political piece with spots of humor, even the cast members had different ideas as to what it all meant. It appears the premise of an audition is a metaphor for how the french feel about the way their government treats them. There were many cast members and many standouts. I was unaware that this group was not just the NAU french club, but students that enjoy playing in the theatre and happen to speak french. Sofia Saiki, one of the auditioners, had great stage presence and wonderful diction, even though I didn't know what she was saying. Lorel Clohessy, the character that sparks a rebellion, also showed great promise.

The next two pieces were written by Jean-Gabriel Nordmann, "Le Prophete" and "J'avais Besoin De Te Parler." The first of the plays for two players brought Jessica Sargent to the stage, an Alicia Silverstone look-alike. Sargent had a very relaxed attitude as she puffed on a cigarette and waxed prophetic. Her partner, Luc Verrier, did a yeoman's job as well. The second piece brought Vincent Ziegelbaum to the stage which is obviously his second home. His booming voice, expressive face, and very realistic pantomime had the audience roaring with laughter. He can really work a crowd!

After a brief intermission (in which we let our doggy out of the car to catch snow flakes), the finale by Andre Roussin, Les Voyeurs, was a smash hit. By mere costumes alone most of the story line is obvious. Two men pay a madam to look through a mirror into another room. They are promised that a prostitute and her customer will be arriving soon and they can look on so long as they are quiet. Well, the hooker and the john get to talking and find out they know one another. Ziegelbaum steals the show once again as one of the voyeurs. The handsome Jean Achi is his "straight man" though Achi has a bad habit of laughing at his own lines. Laura Sherman plays her saucy role quite nicely and Luc Verrier returns as her customer/long lost friend.

The only complaints I found this first evening were a few blocking problems. Theatre 101: don't talk with your back to the audience. This only happened a few times, but enough that it was annoying, even though (sing along with me now) I didn't know what they were saying anyway.

Those who speak or at least understand this language of love will certainly enjoy the evening of short plays. While the show ran for two nights in Flagstaff, there is a one time only showing in Tempe at the ASU campus, in the Memorial Union. Tickets are only $5 and will be on sale at the door. If you go, say hello to my my sister-in-law, Kat Davis. She will be the one auditioner at the end of the table, dressed in all black. Oh, and my brother has a cameo appearance as a soccer player, too, but that's a surprise.

Review of La Confrerie de Theatre Francais on November 14 at NAU in Flagstaff. Tempe performance Sunday November 23 at 5pm.

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