Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Aspects of Love

Aspects of Love, is being produced by the Walnut Street on the theatre’s main stage and will run through October 23. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 18 melodies composed for the Aspects of Love may have been inspired by a novella of the same name, but they are the driving force behind this most enjoyable show. Charles Hagerty, in the role of Alex Dillingham, a young student who falls in love with the Actress Rose Vibert, handily belts out the opening number and the production’s theme song, Love Changes Everything. Rose is played by Jennifer Hope Wills and we don’t have to wait very long to hear her magnificent voice as she sings a duet with Alex. The other main aspects of love that we are introduced to in the first act are displayed by George Dillingham, portrayed by Paul Schoeffler and Guilietta Trapani, portrayed by Danielle G. Herbert. The audience is treated to their blended voices in A Memory of a Happy Moment. A duet between Alex and George, She’d Be Far Better Off  With You, brought some levity to a much appreciative audience. The voices of all four principals were strong, but the members of the ensemble not only did a credible job with their dance numbers, but also added to the quality of the music. It is not the music alone which makes this production a success. The set and lighting design is both simple and intricate at the same time. Tracks on the stage floor glide vehicles and desks on and off the stage. Crew members dressed in white move diaphanous curtains aside to display hidden scenery. Scenes are projected on walls and curtains and one has the feeling of being immersed in a different culture. Blink and you are looking out a window in Venice. Take another look and you are in the middle of Paris. Some aspects of love are fulfilling; others are filled with anguish. You’ll want to see them all. For tickets, call 215-574-3550 or 800-982-2787 or visit online at www.walnutstreettheatre.org.