Comic Brilliance at Carpenter Square with “My Brilliant Divorce”

A scene from “My Brilliant Divorce,” at Carpenter Square Theatre. June 29-July 21, Pictured left to right are Richie Rayfield, Lilli Bassett, and Laurie Blankenship. 

Linda McDonald is a multi-talented choice for almost any performance endeavor, although she has not been seen dancing a jig, at least not lately.  She is a talented actress from “Ripcord” and “Mrs. Mannerly” to name a just a few productions from Carpenter Square, recently and she is an amazing writer with five mystery/psychological thrillers under her belt beginning with “Crimes of Redemption,” Oklahoma’s Best Fiction of 2013.  She clearly understands the spoken and written word.  As a director she passes her understanding along to her cast flawlessly.  In “Me and Jezebel” earlier this season at Carpenter Square and then in “A Few Good Men” at the Pollard Theatre also this season, she demonstrates this ability through superb performances from her cast members.  “My Brilliant Divorce” is another example of brilliant performances from her cast of three.

The author of “My Brilliant Divorce,” is the esteemed Geraldine Aron of London.  She originally presented “My Brilliant Divorce” as a one-woman monologue.  Artistic Director Rhonda Clark and McDonald wondered how the play would work with the give and take of other actors.  This option is an excellent choice for actors and audience alike.  The decision allows Lilli Bassett to concentrate on her central character and have her interact with others enhancing her reactions as well as her actions.  Bassett brings humor as well as pathos to her portrayal of an Angela, who is experiencing the all-too-familiar betrayal by a husband who has traded her in on a younger model. 

Richie Rayfield plays that cad of a husband Angela calls Roundhead, as well as most of the other male roles in her life, including her doctor, lawyer, and Lonely Hearts telephone friends.  Rayfield expertly handles about a dozen roles that come in and out of Angela’s life in various stages and degrees.  Another dozen or so cameo roles are handled by Laurie Blankenship, from the other woman to friend/frenemy, maid, and elderly gentlemen psychiatrist.  Blankenship has an outstanding range and defines each character distinctly but with subtlety.  Rather than using broad accents for each role, both of these experienced performers understand that subtle indications establishes the origins of each character and is enough to separate them.  Switching back and forth between very broad accents can be uncomfortable for the audience and actually more confusing to follow.  Another hint of McDonald’s sensitive direction. In any comedy, timing is everything, and the timing from these actors is absolute, adding to the hilarity. Bassett, Rayfield and Blankenship are a very entertaining and delightful cast, taking advantage of every opportunity.  Carpenter Square has a winner with Bassett playing a ‘loser’, still in love. 

“My Brilliant Divorce” playing at Carpenter Square Theatre June 29-July 21. Pictured are Lilli Bassett, at left as Angela, and Laurie Blankenship as Dr. Minsky.

Community theatres such as Carpenter Square may not have the polish found in professional theatres that strive for and meet the perfection of Broadway, but they hold the audience just as easily with sincerity, dedication and craftsmanship that is just as much fun.  There may not be a rotating stage to help define the scenes and the lighting and sound may not have some of the fancier touches, but these semi-professionals use their technical experience to wonderful effect. The set, designed skillfully by Ben Hall accommodates the actors in their many changes easily. Stage manager Rosemary Waits and sound operator Philip Aken enhance the performers nicely. Rhonda Clark handles the properties and costumes lending additional strength to the various characters portrayed.

During intermission, take note of the artwork hanging in the lobby.  Lacy Brown Gustafson, an artist from childhood, has graced the lobby with her colorful artwork.  The freneticism in her style reflects the freneticism of major life style changes that occur in the show.  “My Brilliant Divorce” plays through July 21, 2018 at 800 West Main (corner of Main and Shartel) at Carpenter Square Theatre. Curtain is 8:00 pm with one Matinee performance at 2:00 pm July 15 and two Thursday night performances at 7:30 July 12, and a week later on July 19, 2018.  This schedule should give everyone a chance to see “My Brilliant Divorce” however not everyone should, as the trials and tribulations sexual and otherwise of a new divorcee are for mature audiences only.  For information and tickets visit www.carpentersquare.com or call the box office at 405 232-6500.  The box office is open Tuesday through Friday from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm and then again one hour prior to each show.  “My Brilliant Divorce” guarantees a big laugh from anyone who has ever been married, and of course anyone divorced. 

Carpenter Square”s “My Brilliant Divorce” with Richie Rayfield as the erring husband, ‘Roundhead’ and Lilli Bassett as Angela.