At Silver Spring Stage
May 19 - June 11, 2006

"Dangerous Liaisons" Spells Lies, Seduction and Revenge - Dave Cannon, Montgomery Sentinel  read the review (pdf format)

Director: Scott Bloom

Evening Performances:
May 19, 20, 26, 27, June 2, 3, 9 and 10 at 8
Sunday Matinees:
May 28 and June 11 at 2

Silver Spring Stage presents the brilliant, witty, seductive and sumptuous Les Liaisons Dangereuses (also known as Dangerous Liaisons) by Christopher Hampton. The play, directed by Scott Bloom and produced by Marcia Kolko, tells a tale of betrayal, intrigue and morality when two 18th century French aristocrats wager on the virtue of a young newlywed. Les Liaisons Dangereuses will run weekends May 19 to June 11, 2006.

Silver Spring Stage is located in the Woodmoor Shopping Center, lower level (next to the CVS) at Colesville Road and University Boulevard. Ticket prices range from $11 to $15. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8:00 PM and Sunday matinees on May 28 and June 11 at 2:00 PM.

Les Liaisons Dangereuses started as a famous or infamous book by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos, first published in 1782. The book fascinated readers with its depiction of decadent French aristocracy shortly before the French Revolution, a period also known as the Ancien Regime. It candidly portrayed the use of sex as a weapon of humiliation and degradation in the enticing rivalry between two aristocrats. The style of the book was in entirely in the form of letters written by the various characters to each other, allowing the reader to peer into their inner most thoughts. The novel has been translated into English many times; and, it is the origin of the saying "Revenge is a dish best served cold" borrowed by Star Trek. Hampton wrote the stage version in 1985 and it won the Olivier Award for Best Play. It debuted on Broadway in 1987 and received numerous Tony Award nominations. The story was filmed first in French in 1959 by Roger Vadim with Jeanne Moreau and later by Hollywood in 1988 with Glenn Close, John Malkovich and Michelle Pfeiffer winning three Academy Awards. The tale has been since adapted in contemporary versions such as 1999’s Cruel Intentions. Les Liaisons Dangereuses also has been adapted for television and an opera. The play celebrates the philosophy of libertinism or free-thinking that emerged in the period where sin became much more pliable. It also raises some profound questions on the boundaries of humanity and morality while dressed languidly, beautifully, humorously and emotionally.

The Vicomte de Valmont (Andrew C. Schneider) is determined to seduce the virtuous (and married) Madame de Tourvel (Kate Lucas), who is staying with Valmont's aunt (Carole Cox). At the same time, the Marquise de Merteuil (Roxanne Fournier Stone) is determined to corrupt the young Cécile de Volanges (Lenora Spahn), whose mother (Susan Cote) has only recently brought her out of a convent to be married to a former lover of Merteuil. Cécile falls in love with the Chevalier Danceny (Kevin O’Reilly), and Merteuil and Valmont pretend to want to help the secret lovers in order to use them in their schemes. Merteuil suggests that the Vicomte seduce Cecile in order to exact her revenge on Cecile's future husband. Valmont refuses as he wants to devote himself to seducing Mme de Tourvel. Merteuil promises Valmont that if he seduces Mme de Tourvel and provides her with written proof, she will spend the night with him. He expects rapid success, but does not find it as easy as his many other conquests. Also, he curiously begins to have feelings for her. The intrigue and suspense builds when all the characters’ lives intertwine in deception and revelation.

Other cast members include: Kathleen Anderson (Adele), Robin Covington (Emilie), Richard Kalnins (Azolan), and O’Dowd Ray Fleming (Major-Domo).

The production team includes Megan Dreisbach (Assistant Director), John Decker (Set Design/Master Carpenter), Jim Robertson (Lighting Designer), Scott Bloom (Sound Designer), Nancy Jaquish (Properties), Richard Batistelli (Costumes) and Craig Lawrence (Fight Choreographer).

Silver Spring Stage is also presenting The Diary of Anne Frank at the Gaithersburg Arts Barn running weekends May 12 to June 4. The Stage’s 37th season concludes with the thrilling Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf (June 30-July 23). Silver Spring Stage is grateful for support from the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County, Maryland State Arts Council and Combined Federal Campaign.

Les Liaisons Dangereuses is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French Inc.