The Norman Conquests, by Alan Ayckbourn, is three interlocking full-length plays -- Table Manners, Living Together and Round and Round the Garden -- that are ingeniously written to be enjoyed individually or as a trilogy, and can be seen in any order. I had the distinct pleasure of seeing all three on one of the "Trilogy days."
Set in the dining room (Table Manners), living room (Living Together) and garden (Round and Round the Garden) of an English country house, each individual play offers a different view of one comically catastrophic weekend, shared by six spouses and in-laws, at the family home in the country. And while each play is complete on its own terms, by viewing all three plays (in any order), the audience is able, detective-like, to piece together all of the hidden secrets and lies, the outrageous, hilarious and shocking interactions, which occur over the course of the weekend. And there are some wonderful and brilliant surprises! We watch as desperate lothario Norman (Brilliantly played by Stephen Mangan) attempts to seduce his sister-in-law Annie (Jessica Hynes), charm his brother-in-law's wife Sarah (Amanda Root) and woo his estranged wife Ruth (Amelia Bullmore), during a disastrously hilarious weekend of eating, drinking and misunderstanding. With his characteristic compassionate humor, Ayckbourn explores the disappointments bubbling beneath the surface as his characters' dreams of love and fulfilment go amiss.
DO NOT MISS THIS RUN! The production was originally mounted at the Old VIc Theatre in London but had closed just before my trip there in January. I am so please I was able to see it while here in NYC. The laughter was non stop but as important was the humanity of the characters that showed how important love is in our life to truly be alive.
The design for the trilogy was wonderful especially the diorama that served as an act curtain for the arena stage designed by Michael Yeargan and the clock effect created by the lighting designer Brian MacDevitt . The staging was innovative and fun, a tremendous job by Matthew Warchus and company.
Between the afternoon production and the final show, I had dinner with another successful alumni from Bradley University Theatre, John Scacchetti. John has recently competed his second Broadway production, performing in Gypsy with Patti Lupone - a production I was able to see on my last trip to NYC. One of the great perks of being a professor is seeing Alumni of your programs achieve their dreams.
Great dinner, great company, and a great show (and no rain) - You can't ask for a better day.
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