Enchanted April is genuinely 'Marvelous'
By Anneleen Naudts

The Caledon Town Hall Players transport their audience to London, England in the year 1922.

The war is over, but the atmosphere remains gloomy and the rain doesn't subside.

Enchanted April depicts Lotty Wilton, who sees an advertisement to rent a villa in Italy during April, and longs to escape life's somberness. She sets out to find three women to come along on the Mediterranean endeavour. Once in Italy, the beauty of the countryside causes the stories of the four strangers' lives to unravel.

Lotty is played by Margaret Brody, who rose to the challenge of playing the protagonist and is sincere in every emotion.

Lotty usually consents to her husband Melleresh Wilton, played by talented Doug Maund. The audience meets him when he expects Lotty to accompany him to an art show, which he attends for disingenuine reasons.

When Lotty informs him she doesn't know what to say to the artists, he tells her "just tell them it's marvelous."

The solemn Rose Arnott, played graciously by Angela Gibson, is the first to hesitantly agree to come along to Italy.

Rose is reserved, and uncomfortable with the "sinful" writings of her husband Frederick Arnett, played by John Carter, in a pleasingly energetic performance.

Next to join the ensemble is Lady Caroline Bramble, an aristocratic socialite, a role elegantly performed by Susanna Lamy.

Lastly, there's the astute and uptight elderly widow Mrs. Graves, played by Carol McCone. McCone manages to maintain endearing despite her character's rough edges.

At the villa, Mrs. Graves' snooty demands do not bode well with Italian housekeeper Constanza, making for hilarious confrontations.

Jeannette Massicotte plays Constanza, whose Italian accent never fails. She is delightfully funny in her role.

Villa owner Antony Wilder, a sensitive artist, played convincingly by Don Colucci, pays the women a visit, much to their delight.

Italy has an introspective effect on the women. Being at the villa without their husbands triggers an enchanting awakening for both Lotty and Rose.

The skill of award-winning director Kathryn DeLory is evident, particularly in a two-in-one scene when Lotty and Rose simultaneously inform their respective husbands of their travel plans.

The audience is treated to a stunning, multi-leveled set with authentically painted rustic walls, murals depicting the Italian countryside, and vines adorning the stage.

Enchanted April is a feel good play with deep roots and a big heart. It contains witty and sometimes poetic dialogue that leaves the audience feeling enchanted too.

Simply put, Enchanted April is genuinely "Marvelous"!

Enchanted April opened May 2, and runs weekends until May 17.

Tickets can be reserved at the box office at (519) 927- 5460, or visit the Web site at www.caledontownhallplayers. com.