Exploring love in all its multifaceted glory, “Love Struck” strikes a delicate balance between the playful cuteness of puppy love, the edgy adult sexuality of lust and the harsh reality of heartbreak. Because of its star-studded cast, like the ever-delightful Barbara Bain and the always-flirtatious Nick Ullett, “Love Struck” creates a fresh way to look at something so old like love, however its cast does not always take full advantage of the script’s potential.
Much to the credit of writer Dale Griffiths Stamos, none of the plays are melodramatic soap operas, fit for Spanish telenovelas. In fact, the plays are much more than just about falling in love and feeling betrayal. Some portray the whimsical and hilarious aspects of love, while others show the heart-wrenching despair that most lovers feel. Particularly captivating, “Confessions Part I: Tracy’s Sin” explores the young love of teenagers, showing that even naive teens can fall deeply and desperately in love with another person. Tracy’s (Tara Windley) story is honest, unobtrusive and painful.
As talented and gifted as the actors are, the on-stage chemistry is often left wanting. The problem does not lie with the individual performances, but rather with the group dynamic. The relationships seem static without any intricacies and forethought. Ones that blatantly lack this je ne sais quoi are “The Session” and “The One.” The plays in themselves are lighthearted and brilliant, but the couples forcibly show their affections, making the couples’ interactions one-dimensional and unrealistic.
Both the lighting and the staging accentuate the plays’ actions without becoming too obvious or presumptuous. Expertly done, the seemingly bare walls and furniture easily metamorphose from one play to the next, keeping only the art-deco painting at the back of the stage. Adding to the feeling, the lighting highlights the scene, whether the setting is in an office, a church or a living room. Immense credit goes to Lila Cannon, Tony Forsmark and Adam Hunter for their impeccable work on the production.
Easy and fun, “Love Struck” reteaches the audience the joys about falling madly and deeply in love through multifarious perspectives. Whether it’s through a meeting with a looney psychiatrist or a blunt confession to a priest, the audience is bound to rekindle their own love after the plays finish.
Playing at the Beverly Hills Playhouse, “Love Struck” will continue its run until May 28. The tickets range from $25 to $32, and the Playhouse is located at 254 S. Robertson Blvd. in Beverly Hills.
Natalia Evdokimova has been involved with theater throughout her life and has reviewed theatrical productions for local and citywide publications since 2005.
