Sabrina is more than fair
Lynden production delights
By Christopher Key
Sabrina Fair should be retitled Sabrina Excellent judging from the current production opening this week at the Claire vg Thomas Theatre in Lynden. This is the first production I have had the opportunity to review at that venue and I trust it will not be the last. The intimate theatre provides a perfect setting for this charming romantic comedy that entertains while still scoring some pertinent social commentary. It does so with a velvet glove rather than an iron fist and is much more effective thereby.
Samuel A. Taylor’s original play ran for 318 performances on Broadway back in the early 1950s. Most of us who are of a certain vintage probably remember the 1954 movie version directed by Billy Wilder and starring Audrey Hepburn, William Holden and Humphrey Bogart. There was a 1995 remake that is probably best forgotten despite the presence of Harrison Ford.
Director Chelsea Lindquist has wisely chosen to adhere closely to the original. She has also made some ingenious casting choices that make this production sizzle.
Chief among these is Sarah Eaden in the title role. As Sabrina Fairchild, she evokes the spirit of Audrey Hepburn and I can’t think of a higher compliment. John Gonzales, as her unlikely paramour Linus Larrabee, Jr., can also be credited with a performance closer to that of Bogart than of Harrison Ford. Bogart was the second choice for that role in the 1954 movie after Cary Grant. Gonzales brings a bit of both to the role and that, again, is a high compliment in my book.
John Gonzales and Sarah Eaden play the lead roles in Sabrina Fair at the Claire vg Thomas Theatre in Lynden.
Josh Henry, as the younger Larrabee brother, delivers a charmingly awkward and bashful performance that perfectly depicts the underachieving sibling of a wealthy family. Larrabee matriarch Maude is portrayed by Amy Landino with a snooty verve that would do Rose Kennedy proud. Her husband, Linus, Sr., is played by Pat Kirby whose stuffed shirt and apoplectic rants are dead-on.
Sabrina’s father, the Larrabee family chauffeur, is played by Chris Jones who brings an unassailable dignity to the role. Carole May portrays Aunt Julia with a scene-stealing authenticity that will remind you of Auntie Mame. As David Larrebee’s ex-wife, Carrie Gibson is the perfect slutty golddigger.
Denise Payne may play a lowly family servant, but her resigned acceptance of Larrabee family disasters helps point out the relative virtues of the servants as compared to the excesses of her employers. Larrin Weidenaar is hilarious as Sabrina’s French suitor, complete with a perfectly hokey French accent that will help reinforce every negative stereotype you have ever had about the Frogs.
Go see Sabrina Fair for the pure enjoyment of it, but also appreciate the social commentary that may be as relevant today as it was back in the 1950s.
Sabrina Fair plays at the Claire vg Thomas Theatre in Lynden February 18 through March 8. Tickets are $13 for adults, $11 for seniors and students. Call (360) 354-4425 for reservations. www.clairevgtheatre.org.
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