Based mainly on Feydeau's Le Dindon ("The Turkey"), Anthea Sogno's modern-dress adaptation also incorporates scenes from A Flea in Her Ear and adds musical numbers. Sogno claims to have done everything with love and respect for Feydeau. Ciel! certainly proceeds along harmonious lines, not limited just to the few light songs and traditional comedy's finale with dance.
The piece begins with Polignac's period-spanning chase through the audience of Lucienne, who will submit to no affair unless her husband Victor be proven unfaithful. (In white strapless gown, she's so gorgeous that Polignac's ardor is understandable. And then there's his homely wife to consider.) All except Lucienne will have (or pursue) a mistress or mister elsewhere. The funniest is an assertive Englishwoman, who wants to be more than a former lover, to the despair of her present husband. Guess who gets drunk? Of course, there's a risque hotel proprietress and guests who don't realize what kind of place she's running or who know but aren't being well served. The revolving bed Feydeau is so well known for remains a laugh provoker. Still, it's most hilariously used by Lucienne, noisily pouncing up and down on it, and a sputtering Polignac while unbuttoning just enough so that hubby will burst in on a compromising situation. Her revenge!
For a production previously on the road a lot, there's been little scimping on scenery. Formal clothing predominates to recall the 19th century in the present. Nightwear in every way suits the giddy romp that is Feydeau's.
