By Lonnie the Theater Lady
In “Emilie,” the brilliant 18th-century French mathematician/ physicist, Emilie la Marquise du Chatalet (Katie Kerr), mysteriously comes to life to resolve a puzzling issue she often pondered while alive. Does life garner its deepest purpose and meaning through love or philosophy? Engaging flashbacks recreate a series of Emilie’s most significant life events and provide her with data identifying each event as related to either love or philosophy. She organizes the data on a chalkboard –tallying each event under the appropriate heading. Her satisfying conclusion is revealed at the end of the play. Her conclusion is deeply profound, somewhat comforting, and feels much like an explanation of the meaning of life. (No spoilers, other than to say, it evoked deep emotional responses from this audience member).
In these compelling vignettes, Emilie sees her younger self interacting with her romantic partner and intellectual collaborator, Voltaire. (Adam Merulli) From a distance, she observes their intellectual disagreements and flirtatious, loving interactions peppered with competitive repartee. These fascinating, sometimes scientific conversations highlight their cerebral brilliance and deep thinking. A compelling discussion about the nature and propagation of fire is just one of many intriguing conversations between the two.
Kerr delivers a flawless performance as the complex, nuanced Emilie. She weaves Emilie’s passion into her role with a powerful strength and energy. Exceptional!
Radeshak physically resembles Emilie, making her spirited portrayal of young Emilie authentic and believable. She’s well cast, and she performs well.
Merulli’s Voltaire is a boatload of often conflicting emotions–all of which are expertly expressed. There are times when he comes off as a bit of a dandy.
Rounding out the talented cast are Sam Lander and Jen Fitzgerald, who intermittently pop on and off the stage in various roles, often with comedic effect.
The beautiful 18th-century period costumes and spectacular wigs harken back to the days of French royalty. (Lilly Brown, designer) The gorgeous purple set’s patterned floor suggests movement — most likely the shift between time periods. (Sabrina Hykes-Davis, designer) The charming set is enhanced by dim lighting, suggesting candlelight and possibly gas lighting, as would be used in the 18th century. (Eve Bandi, designer)
Sound design (Joe Eberle) is particularly important in this show. It needs to be precisely coordinated with lighting. (It is!) The jolting electrical sound combined with the lighting activity effectively transitions the audience from one time period to another.
Playwright Lauren Gunderson’s “Emilie” is a fresh take on a brilliant historical figure who didn’t get the recognition she deserved simply because she was a woman. (The more things change, the more they stay the same.)
“Emilie” tells an engaging, captivating story of a great thinker whose scientific accomplishments profoundly influenced the scientific community.
The powerful cast brings the extraordinary characters to life in this often humorous dramedy. The noteworthy technical aspects of this show enhance its watchability. South Park has another hit on its hands with this intelligent production.
LtTL
South Park Theatre running through August 1. For tickets and additional information, click here.
