Fêtes de la Nuit

More |

Fêtes de la Nuit

WeildWorks at the Ohio Theatre

Reviewed by Mitch Montgomery

February 11, 2010

Photo by Jill Usdan

A baguette fight in an elevator, a flatulent rendition of "La Marseillaise"—ah, Paris! Playwright Charles L. Mee's "Fêtes de la Nuit" offers a fanciful take on the City of Love by way of stunning stage flourishes and cheeky humor, yet it seems strangely devoid of romance.

A racier cousin of Ariane Mnouchkine's kaleidoscopic epic "Les Éphémères," "Fêtes" also spends time with a cross section of French folk but usually finds them up to some sexy antic or other—that is, when not dryly lamenting the "de-Europeanization of Paris." We are hastily introduced to several ingénues—a lesbian couple, a deaf couple, and an American man wooing a Parisian girl—before depraved tales of urinating in bowls, groping, and full-frontal nudity take jurisdiction. While a mischievous spirit guides these amusing forays into the realm of "The Benny Hill Show," it's often difficult to make out any relatable characters under the lowbrow sexuality and ever-present haze of cigarette smoke. For all Mee's loquacious talk of love, there's not much tenderness to be found.

Scenic designer Brian H Scott takes full advantage of the unique setup in the Ohio Theatre, in one case spectacularly transforming the performance area and theater lobby for an impromptu fashion show. Ably combining such scenic embellishments, clockwork dance choreography, and a florid use of American Sign Language, director Kim Weild shows a distinct visual elegance in her staging and a capacity to regulate the many moving parts of the nimble 17-person ensemble.

Alexandria Wailes (noted for her performances in the Public Theater's "Mother Courage" and Roundabout Theatre Company's "Big River") exhibits a finely tuned expressive ability as Sophie, one of the deaf lovers. Though most audiences will not understand her sign language, she effortlessly communicates her character's intentions through the playful looks she shoots at her paramour, Pierre (John McGinty). Luis Moreno also oozes charisma as Barbesco, a salacious tour guide.

Presented by WeildWorks at the Ohio Theatre, 66 Wooster St., NYC. Feb. 11–27. Schedule varies. (800) 838-3006 or www.brownpapertickets.com.