By Holly Gould
In the intimate setting of the Brixton Black Box Theater inside the Covey Center for the Arts, Talley’s Folly in Provo, Utah takes a closer look into the traditional love story. This play by Lanford Wilson received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1980. Receiving such a prestigious award helps audiences recognize the deeper meaning in a script that encourages a closer look at the human condition. This production invites us to examine today’s traditional view of romance by replacing fluff and giggles with substance and clever wit. The audience is immediately welcomed to the theater with the soft sounds of chirping crickets and dogs barking as they enter and experience the feel of a moonlit, summer night in the Midwest.
Sparks begin to fly from the first moments that Matt Friedman (Adam M. Argyle) and Sally Talley (Kenna Lynn Stewart) come together onstage. After a nearly explosive situation at the Talley family home, the abandoned boathouse becomes a place of refuge where the would-be sweethearts find time to explore the desires of their hearts amid family drama and deep kept secrets. Argyle and Stewart have a lively and consistent chemistry in their sometimes fun, sometimes heartfelt interactions. Both characters have a strong stubborn will that align perfectly together.
Stewart brings Southern sass to the stage as she strongly resists the sought- after relationship. There is a musical quality to her sweet Southern drawl that is quite pleasing to the ear. She is a fiercely strong female lead with attitude and with that matches well with her counterpart, yet she is quite fragile and vulnerable with regards to her place in her own family. The thought of falling in love is frightening, so her character tries desperately to guard her heart from the hurt that she feels will inevitably come. Revealing her greatest secret truly becomes the key to unlocking her own heart and happiness.
Director Lynne D. Bronson, along with a fantastic production staff creates a magical atmosphere for the story to take place. Technical direction by Pam Cluff and sound design by Robert Seely transport the audience to the setting, while the lights and sounds highlight the beautifully stunning set of an abandoned Victorian boathouse, which was built by the Scenic and Prop Construction team of Spencer Powell, Michael Larson, Rem White, Ryan Corless, Sarah Argyle, and Sam Herrera. Costume designs by Chelsea Mortensen are clean and simple, but beautifully fitting for the characters.
There is nothing sweeter than the perfect love story. But is any love story truly perfect? Love and romance can hold deeper meanings than flowers and hearts. It is becoming more open, being vulnerable, and learning to fit in where you don’t belong and finding your own value in what you have to offer. Talley’s Folly is a beautiful story of love, persistence and acceptance. Bring your family ages eight and up to the Brixton Black Box Theater at the Covey Center for the Arts in Provo for a love story that won’t soon be forgotten.
Covey Center for the Arts presents Talley’s Folly, by Lanford Wilson
Brixton Black Box Theater, 425 W Center Street, Provo, UT 84601
Feb 20 – Mar 14, 2020 7:30 PM. See site for further details.
Tickets:$14-16
Contact: 801-852-7007
Covey Center for the Arts
Covey Center for the Arts Facebook Page
Talley’s Folly Facebook Event
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