18th Century Feminist Classic – Susanna Centlivre’s Delightfully Mischievous “The Bassett Table” Shines at Dreamland Arts

A major woman playwright from early 18th century England is in revival by Persistent Theatre Productions at St. Paul’s Dreamland Arts. The Bassett Table by Susanna Centlivre is a delightfully mischievous story of a gambling salon where women are on equal footing with men, sharing the possibility of beating the odds. That said, they’re ultimately just as liable for the consequences of that freedom.

Meggie Greivell has directed this farcical gem with a scrupulous eye toward period and style, enhanced Rebecca Karstad’s sumptuous costumes. Every actor masters the language, carriage and movement with crisp clarity, expert timing throughout, and a verve that is simply infectious.

One of this production’s notable accomplishments is that the period and style are heightened to almost a point of being larger than life. Yet the Dreamland Arts space is one of the most intimate theater venues in the Twin Cities. In other words, you get a theatrical experience on a scale of a grand theater space while sitting in the diametrically opposite.

The superb cast is led by a dazzling performance by Julie Ann Greif as the salon supervisor, Lady Reveller. She is supported winningly by an earthy Allison True as maid and assistant, Alpiew. (You might think of them in modern American terms as rough equivalents to Bette Davis and Thelma Ritter.)

Centlivre reflects the theatrical class types that those familiar with Shakespeare and Restoration drama will immediately recognize. And if you don’t know of those, no matter, it’s great fun anyway. Greivell’s female-to-male crossgender performances authentically reflect the class levels and gender by actresses Maureen Bourgeois, Tara Lucchino, and Amanda Kay Thomm. They are vibrantly matched by those traditionally cast: Lana Bean, Bruce Abas, Alison Anderson, Don Larsson, and Franklin Wagner. Trans artist Kjer Whiting also contributes commendably. There is a particularly wonderful performance by Jody Bee as the self-deceived Mrs. Sago, whose gambling habit comes hilariously home to roost.

The Bassett Table
Through Apr. 22
Dreamland Arts, Hamline Ave., St. Paul
651-645-5506
www.dreamlandsarts.org