Sunday afternoon was the opening performance of “The Contrast” at the Bluver Theatre at The Drake. Director Ann Garner and the Philadelphia Artists’ Collective have revived “The Contrast” which was written in 1787 by Royall Tyler and is widely recognized as the first American comedy ever performed.
Ann Garner says “I first read The Contrast over a decade ago, and I remember being surprised by how funny it was. Not just funny for an old play, but genuinely funny. It was also an important play, for all its silliness. It was the first American comedy, written in the same year as the Constitution was adopted, and it was wildly popular for many years.”
The story of “The Contrast” follows coinciding love affairs in a post-Civil War world. Young Maria played by Brittany Onukwugha is engaged to be wed to Dimple played by James Kern. The modern performance of “The Contrast” focuses on criss-crossed relationship dynamics, gender roles of both men and women, as well as the social dynamics of a recently liberated America between American and European tendencies.
In a small, black box theater – the ensemble cast transported the audience to post-colonial Philadelphia. Admittedly adjusting to the language used in the 1780s took a few minutes, luckily the Philadelphia Artists’ Collective included a small glossary of terms used in the play to help the audience follow along.
The cast helped the audience to understand the not-so-modern language used in the script through non-verbal cues and gestures. In particular Jenna Kuerzi, who played the role of Charlotte was especially helpful in spoon-feeding the dialogue to the audience in an expressive manner. Her modern sensibilities mixed with the dialogue of 230 years ago made for a delightful juxtaposition.
The genius of Royall Tyler’s writing shined through in Ann Garner’s rendition of “The Contrast.” If you struggle to understand the British-Colonial accents that shine through in characters like Dimple and Jessamy, you’ll certainly be able to understand Jonathan and Colonel Manly, who are written to speak like Americans and absolutely sound the part.
Notably Colonel Manly was portrayed by Zach Valdez, whose voice reverberated off all four sides of the black box theater. Valdez’s portrayal of Manly had the most dominating speaking voice I’ve ever heard in a theater. If he doesn’t do voiceover work, he should.
As for the plot of “The Contrast” don’t be fooled by the fancy language. This play is a not-so-modern rom com akin to something directed by Garry Marshall or an extended 1787 episode of Friends. Gossip, jokes, love, affairs, and an interesting look into the personal aspects of the founding of America.
As Philadelphia celebrates America’s semiquincentennial, its residents have the ability to watch a theatrical performance that the people of 250 years ago likely enjoyed. You can laugh at the same jokes that our founders laughed at providing a slight connection to the birth of our country.
“The Contrast” runs through April 26th at the Bluver Theatre at the Drake.
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