Forty Carats Lacks Sparkle
Written by Geri Sereno, May 23, 2003
Ok,
ladies, picture this, your car has broken down and you are stranded on a Grecian
Isle, with the tepid sea breezes blowing in from the Mediterranean, which is
hypnotically lapping the shore, as you seek refuge at a picturesque seaside café.
Offering you a solicitous shoulder to cry on, and a much needed bottle of
Oozo, is an extremely handsome, very young man whose charming smile and amorous
advances are only making the situation even more heated. One more drink of this
potent elixir, and you are willing to do more than just take a rescuing ride on
a motorcycle with this very young hero.
The complications truly arise upon the return to normalcy back home in
New York City, and the unexpected arrival of the very young Adonis, who is still
in hot pursuit of his island paramour.
Did I mention that he is very young? I stress this point, as that is the
crux of the dilemma at hand. You see Ann Stanley is a somewhat reserved,
middle-aged real estate agent who normally would never entertain such a daring
dalliance with someone only slightly older than her own daughter. But she now
finds herself torn between her obvious attraction to him and what she thinks is
morally, or at least, socially incorrect.
So begins the plot to Forty Carats, presently being produced at
The Granite Theatre. Directed by company regular, Arthur Pignataro, the play
takes place on another outstanding set design by David Jepson.
Sometimes you’re on the mark, and sometimes you’re off.
Unfortunately, this time this production doesn’t quite make the showing that
this local theater is accustomed to achieving.
The whole premise of the play revolves around the insatiable chemistry
between the May and December lovers, and when that attraction just isn’t
evident, then the story becomes unbelievable. Regrettably, that is the case with
this production, so the play just doesn’t quite reach plausibility. That is
not to say that the efforts put forth by some cast members are not noteworthy.
Indeed, they deserve due credit.
Jude Pescatello as Billy Boylan, Ann’s ex-husband and dearest friend,
gives his all and then some. He comes across as being very affable, and gives
credence to his on-going mid-life crisis.
Kimberly Liguori makes Ann’s daughter Trina, a coquettish, nearly
insufferable teenager, work very well. She carries herself with a mature stage
presence that belies her age.
David Nolan Hicks is pleasantly down home in his Texas millionaire role
of Eddy Edwards. His polished “aw shucks m’am” attitude is appealing and
provides acceptance for his questionable matrimonial choice.
And in a very minute role is Dan Adams as the staunchly irascible Mr.
Latham, father of the youthful suitor. Although only on stage for a few minutes,
Adams uses them wisely and offers a full character in the short time he is
allotted.
On the whole, the play just didn’t work for me. However, there are enjoyable moments scattered throughout the play, and some humorous lines that this sort of situation engenders, so it may interest you to see it for yourself. If you wish to do so, then Forty Carats runs through June 8, and tickets can be reserved by calling (401) 596-2341.