CLEVELAND —
“Ten Chimneys” seems a strange name for a play.
Perhaps it is wise to first write that Ten Chimneys is the name of the Wisconsin estate where Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne spent their summers during most of their acting careers.
By the mid-1920s, the quintessential American theater couple, Lunt and Fontanne, was able to always appear on stage together — never separately — and not to work in the summer so they could spend time at their beloved Ten Chimneys investigating which plays they might perform, entertaining other theater greats, and working in the garden.
During their time as America’s premier acting couple, the Lunts made multiple appearances in Cleveland, beginning in the 1920s and continuing until their farewell tour with “The Visit” in 1959. By far, the Lunts’ most anticipated visit to Cleveland occurred in January 1933 when the couple acted with Noel Coward in the world premiere of his controversial comedy “Design for Living.”
Their story is the theme which inaugurates Cleveland Play House’s Second Stage, one of only three fully outfitted, flexible theatres in the nation. Because of the venue, “Ten Chimneys” presents itself as an insider’s or back stage view of what happens when preparing for a performance for the front of the house.
“Ten Chimneys” is a well written script which introduces Lunt and Fontanne to those who might not be familiar with them and revisits their talents with those who have forgotten... Moreover, it gives insight into what their well protected private life offered to each other. Toss in a not-so-friendly relationship between Lynn and Alfred’s mother, step-siblings who felt they were there only to serve Lunt and Fontanne, and a pretty young ingénue and you have the makings of family life among the wealthy and professional folks.
Mariette Hartley, in the role of the mother-in-law commanded attention every time she was on the stage. A familiar face to most, it is no surprise that she is an Emmy winner. Donald Carrier, who previously appeared at CPH in “Noises Off” and “Lincolnesque” brought the character of Alfred to life with great vibrancy. Jordan Baker, making a CPH debut, explored the inner workings of Fontanne’s thought processes, thereby explaining to the audience the ‘why’s and wherefore’s’ of the relationship she shared with Alfred. Baker created the role of C in Edward Albee’s 1994 Pulitzer Prize-winning play “Three Tall Women”.
The supporting roles are also superbly cast and superbly acted, attesting to the directing talent of Michael Bloom.
The script, the actors and the Second Stage venue of the Cleveland Play House make seeing this production an exciting evening to be a part of. The final performance of “Ten Chimneys” is Sunday, Feb. 5. Tickets may be purchased by phoning the box office at (216) 241-6000 or by visiting www.clevelandplayhouse.com
WEEKENDER / Entertainment
Related Photos
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ROGER MASTROIANNI Alfred Lunt (Donald Carrier) and Hattie Sederholm (Mariette Hartley) in the Cleveland Play House production of Ten Chimneys."
Discussion
‘Ten Chimneys’ offers insider’s look at stage
A REVIEW
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