THEATER REVIEW: Cinnabar’s ‘Quartet’ a life-affirming surprise

Comedy about retired opera singers amuses, inspires|

During a week of mayhem and heartbreak shared among the people of Sonoma County, there could have been no better timing for the opening of Ronald Harwood’s “Quartet” at Cinnabar Theater. This show is a light in a cloud of darkness. If what you’re looking for is a good laugh, as well as a heartfelt connection to the things that matter in life, this is the show for you.

Set in an English retirement community for former musicians and opera singers, the talented foursome of veteran actors leave the audience in an uproar of laughter. As the old friends, and sometime foes, clash and connect, the cast lightly captures the relatable comedy of adjusting to a new life outside the spotlight, after stellar stage careers in which they all reached various levels of fame.

Michael Fontaine is a crowd pleaser as Reginald (Reggie) Paget. Liz Jahren, who plays the energetic and slightly delirious Cecily Robson, is another show-stopper, putting more than 100 percent into her character’s over-the-top personality. Even funnier is the signature glare that Laura Jorgenson, playing Jean Horton, throws at Cecily during her frequent tangents. Clark Miller’s Wilfred Bond adds the perfect touch of salaciousness to the group with his comical wit.

The production’s title might suggest a full-on musical. Surprise! Harwood’s script features only one operatic song, sort of, lasting less than five minutes.

Though the plot holds a great amount of positive comedy, there are a couple instances where jokes go a bit too far. For instance, the characters joke about offstage characters’ possible sexual orientation in ways that are often a bit uncomfortable, somewhat bordering on homophobia, dating the script in ways that feel jarring and unnecessary.

The set by Joseph Elwick is flawless. Sporting antique paintings, gorgeous vintage furniture and a view of a nature-filled terrace, the set suggests a stately country paradise - though the characters may, at times, feel otherwise.

“Quartet,” directed by Jereme Anglin, brings a message that many audience members will feel they need to hear at this time, an encouragement to live in the present, not matter what. In numerous monologues and dialogues, the actors tapped into deep, relatable emotions, each discovering, in their own way, that time is short, the end is unknowable, and that every moment of life is a precious jewel.

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