Design for Living-Review

Providence’s Head Trick Theater returns with a revival of Noël Coward’s 1933 play Design for Living. The play is a comedy written about the love triangle between a woman and two men in the 1930s. The ensemble consisted of Clare Boyd as Gilda, Daniel Holmes as Leo, Neal Leaheey as Otto, Jerry Larkin as Ernest, Jessica Gates as Miss Hodge/Grace, Michael Alper as Mr. Birbeck/Matthew, Mark Roberts as Henry Carver/photographer, and Luyuan Nathan as Helen Carver. The plays’ creative choice to present the story through a series of dialogue heavy scenes forces the audience to pay attention to the characters words rather than their world. Their sharply delivered dialogue leaves the audience at the edge of their seats while simultaneously preserving the comedy. Each character seemed to mesh well with the others and acted as though their parts were made for only them.

This play’s commitment carries over into the costumes, which were well-made for the time period without appearing gaudy. The set design was similarly simple, yet effective in highlighting what the characters were portraying. But the best part was the use of local art. Pieces by local artists like Selene Means, Doug Lindsay, Daria-Lyric Montaquilla, and Gail Baluch feature prominently in the set design; they will remain a part of the set for the length of the show. (Note: the art featured is available for purchase! Please see the show and support local art!!)

Despite the plays stylistic strengths, those new to the work likely left the performance with a flurry of questions: what was the main character seeking? Is she running away to find herself? Will she return? What did she mean by “keys of the city”? The play seems to focus on Gilda finding herself one step at a time. I found myself wondering what she wanted from her search and the root of her dissatisfaction, increasing with every turn. Unhappiness and discomfort are sometimes part of the life of an artist; but shouldn’t love be one of the easiest things in the world? A lot of audience members—especially those still figuring things out— will see themselves in Gilda’s search. To find out for yourself and to experience a truly phenomenal stage production, purchase tickets online before the final showing on November 23rd