The students of the University of Montana’s College of Visual and Performing Arts and School of Theatre & Dance provide the perfect combination of humor and moral with their latest production, The Madwoman of Chaillot.
The play was written by Jean Giraudoux, adapted by Maurice Valency and perfectly directed by Randy Bolton. It is being presented in the limitless black box at the Masquer Theatre in the University’s PAR/TV center. Bolton’s direction was complemented by the wonderful work of Assistant Director Henry Maher, and Lighting Coordinator Mark Andrews and carried out to perfection by Stage Manager Cheyanne Chadwick and her Assistant Stage Manager Mikaila Stinar.
The play was written as an allegory during the Nazi occupation of France, but the undertones and story are just as relevant in today’s political climate. Kudos to Dramaturge Joshua Kelly for his assistance in keeping the story ‘on point.”
The performance is a true ensemble piece, and the pacing of the show is like Speedy Gonzales on crack. It is extremely fast paced, never drags, and keeps the audience on their toes as the dialogue moves between serious and hilarious, often in the same sentence.
Massive kudos to Natasha Conti, who brings the title character to life with an outstanding performance worthy of a Tony Award. She is supported by the likewise amazing performances of Zach French as the Ragpicker, Hamilton Clement as Pierre and her three-woman morality council of Jenna Lockman as Constance, Annie Sacry as Gabrielle and Jasmine Sherman as Josephine.
Although the remainder of the cast turned in worthy performances, the other stand-out in this truly remarkable cast was the one who spoke the least, the Deaf-Mute played by Kira Mills. She conveyed so much in her portrayal that went beyond words and made her performance truly memorable.
Madwoman is a true work of art and should be experienced by everyone. Remaining performances are set for Saturday, April 8 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 9 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available online at umt.edu/theatredance or at the UM Arts Box Office.