Divorce is a controversial social issue that many people take seriously.
In light of that, Riverwalk Theatre is producing the comedy “Let’s Get a Divorce.” Set in France during the late 19th century, the play depicts how a traditional society copes with the idea of divorce.
“It’s about a society based on smoke and mirrors. The play shows how much upper-class society doesn’t know what to do with themselves,” said advertising junior David Beaudrie, who plays the lead.
The show opens today at the Riverwalk Theatre, 228 Museum Drive in Lansing.
The play was written by Victorien Sardou, who director Mary Job considers to be the Neil Simon of the late 1800s.
“He wrote well-constructed plays called boulevard or entertainment plays. It’s a far cry from the Shakespearean tragedy,” said Job, who earned her master’s degree in theater at MSU.
“There are lots of love games that are being played and it makes for a funny play,” said Terence Brown, who plays a policeman. Brown is the program coordinator for the College of Business.
MSU theater Professor Frank C. Rutledge also lent a hand as the play’s set designer.
The play is a farce. Much like a parody, it’s a mockery of the members of high society and their attempts to institute a law legalizing divorce. The story goes on as the young and savvy Adhemar, played by Beaudrie, attempts to convince his middle-aged cousin Des Prunelles’ youthful wife, Cyprienne, played by Rachelle Billard, that the divorce law has already passed.
“Adhemar’s a guy who thinks he’s smarter than he really is,” Beaudrie said. “He’s a lot like a cheesy used-car salesman.”
Adhemar wants Cyprienne, but he doesn’t want her as a wife. He thinks he can get around marriage by misleading Cyprienne, but Cyprienne is smarter than he thinks. She’s a go-getter concerned with youth and romance and having fun.
“Cyprienne thinks it’s unfair that men get to sow all their wild oats and women go from their father’s house to their husband’s,” Job said.
Adhemar eventually falls for Cyprienne and the tables quickly turn. Des Prunelles, played by Rick Dethlefsen, finds out about his cousin’s scheme. Des Prunelles attempts to escape his societal role as husband and become more like a romantic lover.
“It’s a comedy and a farce, because it takes the idea of divorce and totally turns it upside down and makes fun of it, in a funny way,” Beaudrie said.
“If this play were a movie, it would be a great date movie,” Job said. “It’s hilarious, it’s sort of like drinking champagne, it’s just plain fun.”
“Lets Get a Divorce” premieres at 7 tonight at Riverwalk Theatre. It runs at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday this weekend and next weekend. For more information, call the theater 482-5700.
