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RSS PRINT
Bell Book and Candle Beth Perry Tom Marks
Michael Keiley Amanda J. Hull John Van Durten
Milwaukee Entertainment Group
Selena MilewskiSelena Milewski is a sta! writer and copy editor for
the Shepherd Express. Her writing contributions
include theater reviews, A&E feature articles, O!
the Cu! interviews and articles for special issues
such as the Best of Milwaukee Winners Guide.
OCTOBER 17, 2017 2:49 PM
RSS PRINT
Twas the Night Before
Christmas at the Brumder
Cabaret Milwaukee Settles
Unfinished Business with
'Curse of the Apothecary'
Milwaukee Entertainment
Group’s ‘Jack of Hearts’
Romps in Steampunk
Dystopia
Enjoyable Work of 'Art' at
Brumder Mansion
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Of Sorcery and Soul MatesMEG’s 'Bell, Book and Candle' charms October audiences
BY SELENA MILEWSKI OCTOBER 17, 2017 2:49 PM
Milwaukee Entertainment Group’s (MEG) production of Bell,Book and Candle is a well-chosen comedy for the Halloweenseason. The plot revolves around Gillian, a 1950s witch whocasts a spell on an ordinary professional man, a publisher, tomake him fall in love with her. By her side are an impishbrother (also a warlock) with a penchant for upending herplans, an eccentric witch auntie and a writer determined to getto the bottom of witchcraft in the modern age. The real fly inGil’s ointment, though, is the fact that witches can’t fall inlove.
John Van Druten’s script is a dazzlingly smart piece of mid-century comedy. Hold on tight for cute period words like“mingy” and an expansive quality of writing that makes youfeel you’re seeing an entire slice of the world instead of asingle room populated by five characters. Likewise, as all goodcomedies should, Bell raises some serious questions, namely,what role can, or should, entrapment play in romantic love?
Under Amanda J. Hull and Tom Marks’ direction, allperformers—including, hold the “awws,” a real live cat—werein fine form for their preview performance. Michael Keileyshines as the drunken, wild-eyed author, Sidney, and puts theaudience in stitches with slapstick. As Aunt Queenie, BethPerry is sagely off-kilter and possessed of the sort of comictiming found in Golden Age film. Jason Nykiel lights up therole of Nicky, Gil’s brother, with a devilish charm and flashingsmile that border appropriately on the disconcerting.Although stage chemistry didn’t always ring true betweenthem, the leads Randall Anderson (as Shep, the publisher)and Libby Amato (as Gil) were individually brilliant. Andersoncompassionately brings to life a man flummoxed by animplausible fate and solidly fills the straight-man role thestory needs. Amato’s Gil is elegant, complex and highlydynamic; her character’s transformation is compelling andeven heartrending.
Production values are also strong. Hull handled set, props andcostumes, and all are superb in the intimate basement theater(a former speakeasy) of the Brumder Mansion. From tastefulperiod furnishings and piano to a bejeweled Grimoire andexquisite black Christmas gowns for the ladies, Bell is a treatfor the eyes. Marks’ lighting, special effects and sound designare also on point. Look for tastefully understated stage magicand listen for narratively appropriate ’50s favorites such as “IPut a Spell on You” and “Lonely Street.”
Through Oct. 31 at the Brumder Mansion, 3046 W.Wisconsin Ave. For tickets, call 414-388-9104 or visitmilwaukeeentertainmentgroup.com.
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