Playwright: Christina Calvit ( book ) ; George Howe ( music and lyrics )
At: Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood
Phone: ( 773 ) 761-4477; $18-$24
Runs through: July 24
If you're familiar with the wonderful E.F. Benson series of novels about Emmeline Lucas ( aka Lucia ) and her arch rival, Elizabeth Mapp, you know that Benson artfully lampoons an entire strata of British society while at the same time creating a consistent fictional universe that bears a remarkable resemblance to how one might imagine life in a small English village circa 1920. Benson's books perfectly satirized the big fish in a small pond mentality of some of the more upper crust members of the village society.
Lifeline, and adaptor Christina Calvit, have perfectly recreated the style of Benson's novels ( the first of which was Queen Lucia ) . Over the top and slightly silly, Calvit had infused this adaptation with the kind of frame of reference though which Benson must have viewed his comically self-absorbed characters and their petty one-upmanship. Director Frances Limoncelli elicits spot on performances from her cast, who all seem to have a solid understanding of the way Benson must have viewed his characters ( ridiculous, but sympathetic ) , especially from Jamie Axtell, who plays Georgie Pilson, Lucia's best friend and foil, a closeted gay man around whom the play really revolves. The adaptation and performances meld perfectly with the George Howe's music and lyrics, which effectively mimic the feel of 1920s pop music while taking care of the important business of compressing events and underlining character.
Queen Lucia introduces us to Emmeline 'Lucia' Lucas ( Elise Kauzlaric ) , self-anointed Queen of her countryside village of Riseholme and the characters who revolve around her, all of whom are somewhat reluctant participants to her attempts to inject what she considers culture into this small town setting. Sheer force of will, rather than any actual knowledge of the 'culture' she purports to support, keeps a small circle in her orbit. This balance is upset with the arrival of opera singer Olga Bracely ( a strong characterization from Katie Jeep ) , charmed by the town and determined to settle there. At first, Lucia wants to befriend her, but when she sees that her small circle of friends ( and especially Georgie ) is being won over, she declares war on Bracely.
Lifeline deftly brings the story to life, making their first attempt at a main-stage musical a truly professional affair. The adaptation is crisp, the music is memorable and the performances sparkle. With a charming, evocative set design from Alan Donahue, this is one of the most original and refreshing musicals of the summer.
