Act 1 DeSales University Theatre’s production of Lillian Hellman’s “The Children’s Hour” is compelling and heartbreaking theater.
The raw and powerful play is on the main stage of the Labuda Center for the Performing Arts, 2755 Station Ave., Center Valley through March 2.
Act 1 has crafted a searing rendition of the classic drama that looks at how just one false rumor can grow to inflame prejudices and destroy lives.
Taking place at the struggling Wright-Dobie School for Girls, the play follows the two hardworking school administrators andas they educate their young charges. When one of the girls concocts a graphic lie to get out of going to teachers school, three people’s lives are destroyed.
At first, teacher Karen Wright is played with quiet reserve and gentle confidence by Lee Shaw. As the plot unfolds, Shaw’s Karen unravels as well until she is aching with despair and anguish.
Alison Ansorg, who plays the other teacher, Martha Dobie, reveals her to be complicated and conflicted, but caring.
Bella Lucano is unforgettable as the chillingly manipulative young student Mary Tilford. Lucano’s Mary will do anything to get her way and finds ways to blame everyone else for her grievances.
Charlotte Capie is genuine as the honest. but guilt-ridden student Rosalie whose own minor transgression is used against her by Mary to back up her own deception.
Nicolette Keddie is unyielding as Mary’s overly doting grandmother who is too quick to believe her granddaughter’s lies.
As Karen’s faithful fiance Joseph, Carter Sachse is committed and stalwart, even as he unsuccessfully pushes back against Karen’s fears.
Olivia Mills gives the role of Martha’s annoying aunt Lily a touch of dottiness and desperation.
NeLa-Sharelle Latimore and India Profitt are authetic as two michevious students who inadvertently eavedrop on a fight between Martha and her aunt, that sets the stage for the story.
Direction by Jessica Bedford is tight and the story is told with a clear vision.
Andrew Mannion, scenic designer, created the attractive and functional set of the Massachusetts school where the drama is set.
Bedford and dramaturg/assistant director Ryan Plunkett will discuss Hellman and her life before the Feb. 28 performance. Topics will include the Scottish court case on which“The Children’s Hour” is based and how “The Maltese Falcon” author Dashiell Hammett helped spark the play.
In recognition of Women’s History Month, there will be a party after the Feb. 28 performance to celebrate the trailblazing women in the arts, including Hellman, who paved the way for other women artists to become successful. Refreshments will be served.
There will be talk-back performances with the cast after the Feb. 23 and 24 shows.
The Feb. 22 performance will feature open captioning for patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing and audio descriptions for patrons who are blind or visually impaired. Tickets are half price for patrons using these services. Call the box office at 610-282-3654, ext. 1, for information.
The March 1 performance is pay-what-you-can night to make theater accessible to all audiences.
The production is recommended for ages 16 and up for mature content.
Tickets are $23 for adults and $21 for students and seniors Monday through Friday; and $27 for adults and $25 for students and seniors Friday and Saturday.
Performances are 7:30 p.m. Feb. 22, 26, 27, 28, and March 1; 2 p.m. Feb 23 and March 2; and 9:45 a.m. Feb. 24.
For information, call 610-282-3192, or go to www.desales.edu.