Glencoe’s Writers Theatre is introducing its audience to its new theater space with Tom Stoppard‘s time-jumping tale “Arcadia.”
Set at a manor in the English countryside, “Arcadia” takes its audience to the early 19th century where a girl uncovers a scientific and mathematical theory well before her time against the backdrop of uproarious relations between various members of the household. Almost 200 years later, their descendants, as well as a few academics, try to piece together the mystery of their predecessors. The plot can be quite twisty, allowing the audience to play detective as more is revealed with each movement through time.
Here’s what you need to know before the show.
1. “Arcadia” clocks in at almost 3 hours.
When you first hear that the show is 2 hours 55 minutes plus an intermission, it can be a bit daunting. However, the play’s pace is quick and there’s a mystery to be solved. The acting is top-notch, especially the interactions between Greg Matthew Anderson as Septimus Hodge and Elizabeth Stenholt as Thomasina Coverly in the 19th century and Scott Parkinson as Bernard Nightingale and Kate Fry as Hannah Jarvis in the present day.
2. The use of the new space is fabulous.
For anyone who had been to a Writers Theatre production at Books on Vernon, the productions were a very intimate affair. If you’re concerned the larger space in the company’s magnificent new home diminishes that intimacy, fear not. The Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Theatre is built so that there isn’t a bad seat in the house. The set goes right up to the edge of the front row and the actors make use of all the space, including the aisles the audience uses to enter and exit. The theater is made to seem much larger, as if the English countryside can be seen if you just turn around.
3. From the first line, “Arcadia” is hilarious.
When the first line of a play involves a description of “carnal embrace,” you know you’re set for a wild ride. “Arcadia” packs in the sexual innuendos and sexual tension and hilarity ensues. Sometimes the audience’s laughter gets so loud, the actors get drowned out. “Arcadia” has shades of a comedy of manners as well as satire, with modern-day interactions and sensibilities weaved in. As parts of the mystery are unveiled, the audience is let in on various jokes that have been building throughout.
4. The play’s ending will bring all the feels.
While there is nonstop laughing throughout “Arcadia,” the ending of the play tugs at your heartstrings severely. And, so as not to ruin it, we’ll leave it at that.
5. Some of it will go over your head and that’s OK.
Unless you understand all the math and science and can opine on various philosophies, you may not understand everything. Not to worry — there’s nothing wrong with falling out of step with the show’s quick pace when the academics are yelling their theories and thoughts at one another, waging a war of ideas. You may feel like you’re missing something, but it doesn’t take away from the whole experience.
“Arcadia” runs through May 1 at 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe. Tickets ($35-70) are available online, by calling 847-242-6000, or at the Box Office, 376 Park Ave., Glencoe.
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