“Enchanted” is Magical!

If you’re a fan of great theater, head to Waterfront Playhouse to see “Enchanted April” now playing to April 30. Every aspect of the production is magical from the acting ensemble to the Italian villa by set designer Michael Boyer. Audiences are transported to a world of romance and enchantment. Oh, yes, it’s funny, too.

The play is about two unhappy housewives in post-WWI London who decide on a whim to rent a villa in Italy for a ladies-only holiday away. They reluctantly recruit a pair of difficult upperclass women to share the cost and the experience. Together under the Mediterranean sun, the four women clash, then begin to bond and bloom, until men once again upset the balance. However, this is not a a gooey soap fest. Amidst the charm is a wit and spikiness that keep the characters real, relatable and very funny.

Adapted for stage by Matthew Barber from Elizabeth von Arnim’s novel, it was a Tony-nominee for Best Play and won the John Gassner Award for Outstanding New American Play. It has had over 500 international productions.

Directed by the Waterfront’s Artistic Director Danny Weathers, “Enchanted

April” is blessed with veterans of the Waterfront as well as new talent. Elena Devers (Lotty) and Nicole Nurenberg (Rose) play the two London housewives, and they could not be better. Together they recruit Chris Stone’s stodgy Mrs. Graves (think Maggie Smith’s “Downton Abbey”) and Erika Butters’ upperclass party girl Lady Caroline (think Lady Mary) to join them on their adventure. The transformations of all the women are a joy to watch.

David Black is hilarious as Mellersh, Lotty’s stodgy husband. John Reynolds plays Rose’s husband, who writes ‘salacious’ books and loves gin, jazz and ladies. Equity actor Ryan Didato is the handsome owner of the villa who charms all of the women. Mary Falconer plays the sassy Italian cook/housekeeper, Constanza, stealing every scene she’s in.

Technical aspects breathtaking.

Tickets are $40 available online at WaterfrontPlayhouse.or or call(305) 294-5015