Soulpepper 2008 – Jean Anouilh’s Ring Round the Moon

Paula Citron
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Ring Round the Moon
Soulpepper 2008
Written by Jean Anouilh (adapted by Christopher Fry)
Directed by Joseph Ziegler
Starring Jordan Pettle, Patricia Fagan, Nancy Palk and Brenda Robins
Young Centre until Sept. 20
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Jean Anouilh is a French playwright who uses charm and whimsy to make a point. His 1947 play Ring Round the Moon, adapted into graceful English by Christopher Fry in 1949, makes you smile while being aware of the darker subtext.

The plot deals with the romantic shenanigans at a French chateau with Jordon Pettle having a field day playing both the good twin and the bad twin. Anouilh is a writer known for lovingly creating older ladies, and Nancy Palk as the aunt and Brenda Robins as Isabelle’s mother capture the mannerisms of these two eccentrics wonderfully well. In fact, director Joseph Ziegler has ensured that each of the cast members gets his or her moment to shine.

I have to say that I’m still having trouble with Kristen Thomson in drawing room comedies. She finds it very hard to conceal her brassy persona among the upper classes.

Ring Round the Moon continues at the Young Centre until Sept. 20.