Brides untie wedding knots at UCI

Tom Titus

From the Greek playwright Aeschylus, by way of Mack Sennett, comes

Charles Mee’s “Big Love,” a romantic farce of classical proportions

now on stage at UC Irvine’s Winifred Smith Hall theater.

Mee’s freewheeling update of Aeschylus’ “The Suppliant Women”

focuses on 50 Greek brides-to-be (all sisters from what must have

been a Guinness record book family) who flee their 50 prospective

grooms (all cousins) and take refuge at an estate on an Italian

island.

When the hot-blooded men arrive to claim their ladies, all Hades

breaks loose as the gals prove the old adage about the female of the

species. All except one, however, which prompts another phase of the

conflict.

At UCI, director Annie Loui has fashioned a highly attractive,

deliciously spirited production with a few modern era songs (“You

Don’t Own Me,” “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered”) and some

synchronized ballet moves thrown in, along with a splash of nudity as

one of the fugitive brides takes a dip in the pond on her arrival.

This actress, Jessica Stevenson, turns in a stellar performance as

she breaks ranks with the sisterhood and actually warms to her

pursuing suitor (Andrew Samonsky), who woos her with a light, tender

touch.

Stevenson’s mood transitions are beautifully accomplished.

Perfectly mismatched are the leaders of both factions -- Ailene

King as the rebellious Thyona and Noel Iribe as the overly macho

Constantine. Their spirited discourse culminates in one of the play’s

true shockers as the bride cuts more than the cake.

Stephanie Linn enacts the indecisive third bride, who is caught

between both extremes -- even though she offers a determined

rendition of “You Don’t Own Me,” she still yearns for a little

romance.

Maintaining a semblance of order is Jeff Farkash as the host at

the opulent Italian estate with three imposing columns and a bathing

pool, beautifully designed by Christopher Sousa-Wynn. Patrick

Sabongui glides through the proceedings espousing romance on an

alternative level.

Sasha Harris Hill does fine double duty as an impromptu wedding

coordinator and a sage Italian grandmother who ultimately brings

things to right. Brett Teresa provides mood music on the piano.

Modern costumes, designed by Elizabeth A. Cox, lend a winning

touch, as does Amber Grunwald’s mood-enhancing lighting.

“Big Love” takes the proverbial battle of the sexes to a new,

literal plane with a rollicking slapstick touch -- the climactic

clash over the wedding cake is beautifully choreographed in slow

motion. It’s a splendid melding of ancient and modern theater.

* TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Daily Pilot. His

reviews appear Thursdays and Saturdays.