A modern twist on the classic French play by Marivaux: The Game of Love and Chance

Before I reveal my thoughts on this play, I must admit that the last time I attended a play was back in high-school where my preferred method of transportation was a yellow school bus. I saw the never-aging tale of Romeo and Juliet, surely a rite of passage for any teenager. I had always loved theatre and had even gotten to be center stage a couple of times (this stays between us), but as I grew older my interest for this art form faded… I was in for a pleasant surprise when I walked into the Centaur Theatre for the premiere of The Game of Love and Chance on March 6^th.

Theatre always appeared to me to be mostly for older, sophisticated and refined people. Believe me when I say that this play surely proved me wrong; it gave a new meaning to the term “accessibility”. I LOVED every moment of this very enjoyable and unpretentious love story! I don’t even know where to begin…

The plot, although written in the 18th century, was timeless and reflected all the intricacies of today’s love stories. As a 21^st century entertainment buff, I’m used to all of the twists and turns of modern day love and friendship ties brought to you by yours truly,HOLLYWOOD. As the show progressed, I found myself entwined in the complexities, deceits and musings of the characters on stage. It felt as though I was watching an episode of Gossip Girl live. Rich people deceiving one another for love (it had Chuck and Blair written all over it!).

Not only was Nicolas Billon’s adaptation of Marivaux’s play funny, witty and daring, but it was filled with an underlying, sexually comical tone that was sure to spark crowd reaction, all without losing tact of course. The humour was on point and so well delivered that you could not help but burst out laughing (to the dismay of my next-seat neighbourgh…).

The interaction between the cast members was graceful and the scene changes were seamless (Kudos to Catherine Tardiff, an eclectic choreographer who brought the stage to life with her choreographies).There was always something going on to keep the audience interested whether it was the brother’s silly candy eating habit, Bourguignon’s grandiose entrances, or the sly comments. Although all of the cast members were quite exceptional, my coup de coeur goes to Gemma James-Smith, acting as Lisette. Her ability to transfer from one role to another is captivating and her acting is inspiring.

Billon’s modern adaptation of old-fashioned theatre has left me wanting more. It’s great to see that theatre for everybody. I can certainly say that my days of theatre-going are far from over.   For more on the play, have a look at behind the scenes videos HERE, but mostly take advantage of their last week inMontreal to go see the play live before they move on to the big TO.