Getting a divorce is no laughing matter, but The Riverwalk Theatre’s production of “Let’s Get a Divorce” is just that.
A comedic tale of divorce set in 19th-century France, “Let’s Get a Divorce” shows the lighter side of divorce and the importance of romance in marriage. The play journeys through the marriage of Henri (Rick Dethlefsen) and Cyprienne (Rachelle Billard) Des Prunelles, as their troublesome relationship is threatened by Henri’s cousin, Adhemar de Gratignan (David Beaudrie).
At the peak of their relationship’s problems, a bill to legalize divorce is introduced, thus threatening the one thing that is keeping the Des Prunelles together - marriage.
The young and healthy Cyprienne is the least thrilled with her relationship and most interested in divorce. She doesn’t like the idea of men sowing their wild oats while young women never get the chance.
“Women are shut in when they’re young, shut out when they’re married and shut up when they’re old,” she says.
Adhemar has plans of his own for his cousin’s marriage. He intends on continuing his secretive visits with Cyprienne, but hopes to take it a step beyond small kisses on the shoulder and neck.
“I’ll do anything to stay in the bosoms of my family,” Adhemar says.
But Henri has plans to make his marriage work. He intends on spicing things up and turning his wife off of Adhemar.
Divorce proves to be a recurring theme in the play.
In the opening act, the divorce-addicted Cyprienne receives legal books about the subject. Henri’s friend Clavignac (Brad Rutledge), who is separated from his wife, wants a divorce and Estelle de Brionne (Gay James Oliver), a widow, thinks it will make more men available - but everyone else is in an uproar about passing a law to make divorce legal.
The play’s heart also lies in role reversals. While Adhemar unintentionally takes on the role of husband, Henri attempts to replace him by being youthful, handsome and adventurous.
Knowing that his wife is interested in all that is forbidden and taboo, Henri uses Adhemar as a male muse to win back the heart of his wife.
The acting makes this play a hit - each actor plays his or her role well.
Beaudrie, providing most of the comic relief in the play, puts on a stellar performance. Neil Knox (Bastien) and Gini Larson (Josepha) nearly steal the show with their small roles as the butler and maid.
But the exceptional performance is by Dethlefsen. His character, although small in stature, did a grand job keeping the audience laughing and on their toes. He complements everyone who is on stage with him and wins hearts with his sneaky laugh.
Although cleverly written, with exceptional acting, the play lacks the upbeat pace generally associated with comedies. But this doesn’t cause the show to suffer - the audience laughed and clapped loudly throughout.
Aside from being a comedy about divorce, the play is a true love story. “Let’s Get a Divorce” dispels the belief that with many problems in marriages, there can’t be love.
“Let’s Get a Divorce,” is playing at 7 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at The Riverwalk Theatre, 228 Museum Drive in Lansing. For tickets or more information call 482-5700.
