"Intimate Exchanges"

July 7, 2015 — The audience got to choose the ending in "Intimate Exchanges." We cast votes for one of two endings at intermission, having no knowledge of the nature of either. The choices were "the prodigal returns" and "a christening." I chose the former, the latter won. I wasn't particularly impressed with that choice, but I have no way of knowing how the other would have ended. Author Alan Ayckbourn wrote sixteen endings!

Gus Kaikkonen directed this production. Two actors played five roles, two by Beverly Ward and three by Kraig Swartz. Ward is particularly talented at playing multiple characters. She played three in 2014's "Last of the Red Hot Lovers." Her characters are so different in personality, speech and mannerisms it's easy to imagine you're really seeing different women. Swartz differentiated his three characters with wigs, beards and costumes, but they were all Swartz. That's not a bad thing. He's a gifted comedic actor who has had many memorable roles at Peterborough Players, but he's not as adept at playing multiple personalities as Ward.

Alan Ayckbourn's comedy has a light touch. This was a charming little play, not one to really fire up an audience, but definitely pleasing. It's strong point was the acting. Scenic designer Charlie Morgan's excellent set consisted of stone walls, an archway, a tree and shrubs, constructed to facilitate quick changes, ending as a cathedral. Off-and-on rain drumming on the Players' ancient roof was a nice added effect.