THE PLAY: When they run into each other on their honeymoons with new spouses, a divorced couple realizes their stormy relationship was meant to be.

 

THE PRODUCTION: Noel Coward’s 1930 comedy of manners is more about situations and characters than punch lines. That means the actors have to be elegant and poised and the staging demands class and sophistication. Unfortunately, director Melissa Rayford hasn’t managed to elevate the production on either count. Donna Marie Miller sets the proper tone with comic charm and elegant style. As the warring duo, she and Aaron Orensky have an enjoyable energy, even though he’s more broadly boisterous than refined. The first act’s cheery terrace gives way to a deco disaster of an apartment. Many of the costumes are unflattering and poorly constructed.

 

THE POINT: With the exception of Donna Marie Miller’s charming performance, this show forsakes Coward’s sophistication for unfunny farce.

 

(2 / 5)

 

At CAT Theatre thru 11/7