By Sue Suchyta
The 1939 Philip Barry stage comedy “The Philadelphia Story,” written to showcase Katharine Hepburn, tells the story of a socialite whose impending second marriage is complicated by the arrival of both her first husband and a handsome journalist. In 1940, the stage play was adapted to film by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, with George Cukor directing, and with Hepburn as the female lead, Tracy Lord; Cary Grant as her first husband, C. K. Dexter Haven; and Jimmy Stewart as reporter Macaulay Connor. In 1956, a musical film version of the story, “High Society,” was released, with Grace Kelly as Tracy Lord, Bing Crosby as Haven and Frank Sinatra as Connor.
When the Players Guild of Dearborn first performed “The Philadelphia Story” in 1986, it was staged in black in white, in homage to the original film. Now, 38 years later, as the Guild presents the show again, Director Kristen Campbell-Lynch said the play offers a challenging combination of comedy, drama and characters with which to work.
“I love diving into the witty dialogue and complex relationships between the characters,” she said. “It’s a joy to bring this classic story to life for new audiences and to discover fresh interpretations of these iconic roles.” Campbell-Lynch said balancing the comedic and dramatic aspect of the show and its characters is both challenging and rewarding. “Watching the actors transform into these beloved characters is truly inspiring,” she said. “These talented actors bring an incredible energy and passion to their roles.”
Campbell-Lynch said the show blends humor and thought-provoking drama while exploring the complexities of love, marriage and societal expectations. “It’s a captivating escape into a world of glamour and intrigue, with a timeless message that resonates with audiences of all ages,” she said.
Campbell-Lynch said that although the story is set in a different era, it deals with relationship challenges to which modern audiences can relate.
“It’s a classic comedy with heart that offers a delightful escape while also providing thought-provoking commentary on human relationships,” she said.
Assistant director Josh Beurer said that throughout the play, Tracy Lord struggles with what society expects of her and what she wants for herself. “She attempts to define herself beyond the man attached to her wedding ring,” he said. “That level of introspection is brave for anyone to do, let alone a woman in America in the 1930s. “It has lasted through the years because being true to ourselves never goes out of fashion.”
David Culliton, who plays reporter Macauley “Mike” Connor, said the director has added unique touches to the show to bring it to life on the Players Guild stage. He said it’s a delightful challenge for him to play a role made famous by Jimmy Stewart and make it his own. “The last thing I want to do is an impression of him,” Culliton said. “Luckily for me, Mike is a fascinating character who comes into the story loaded with cynicism and leaves with a new lease on life.”
He said the creative team have captured the aesthetic of the movie, evoking its opulence. “All of your favorite lines from the film are brought to life, and there are some surprises in store for people who know the movie by heart,” Culliton said. “This isn’t just a cut-and-paste of the film. It’s so much better to have the PGD stamp of excellence on this rare treat.”
He said the story has schemes, romantic complications and both verbal and physical comedy. “‘The Philadelphia Story’ is the blueprint of a screwball comedy,” he said. “There is so much to love about this wacky, romantic and thoughtful story.”
Julie Ballantyne Brown, who plays Margaret Lord, the mother of the bride, said she’s able to give her stage character more depth than was present in the film. “I love that I get to make Margaret my own,” she said. “The story and the outcome are the same, but the actors give the characters their own interpretation, and it really plays out well.”
Brown said the audience will enjoy the play’s quick banter. “There are a lot of wonderful, sassy lines in this show and the cast really knows how to deliver them,” she said.
Brown said audiences will also identify with the characters and their challenges. “There are themes in this play that are relevant to us today: being true to yourself, overcoming social class prejudice, and family conflicts and issues,” she said.
Lilith Tack, who plays Dinah Lord, Tracy’s kid sister, said she enjoys playing a character who likes to know what’s going on amidst all the relationship ups and downs. “I think audiences will love the ‘soap opera’ approach of the show,” she said. “It’s a lighthearted, easy-to-consume show that still has a place on stage, because who doesn’t have a weird, convoluted relationship?”
Tack said the show provides an interesting story for audiences to follow. “There’s always something going on, so if you’re looking for your next comedic fix, come see ‘The Philadelphia Story,’” she said.
The cast also includes Deg Gretz as Alexander “Sandy” Lord, Alex Gojkov as C. K. Dexter Haven, Casey Murray as Elizabeth “Liz” Imbrie, Santi Ramirez as George Kittredge, Patrick Davidson as William Tracy, and Jeff Flannery as Seth Lord. Also in the cast are Dave Wood as Thomas, Sydney Assalley as Elsie, Samantha Reams as May, Jacob Gilman as Dr. Parsons, and Mike Parks as Mac.
The show runs 8 p.m. Sept. 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 and 28, with 2:30 p.m. Sept. 15, 22 and 29 matinees. To order tickets, call 313-561-TKTS or order online at https://ci.ovationtix.com/35949/production/1206389.
