'Enchanted April' charms at Pennsylvania Playhouse

By Diana Morse Special to the Morning Call

With World War I raging and strife simmering on their personal homefronts, four strong-willed Englishwomen pool limited resources for a monthlong vacation of ''wisteria and sunshine'' in the Italian countryside. It is in the elegant castle they have rented that begins the life-changing magic of ''Enchanted April,'' being presented by Pennsylvania Playhouse.

Laura Sweeney-Riker and Becky Engborg are perfect as acquaintances turned sisters-in-arms Lottie Wilton and Rose Arnott. Each displays a wide range of emotion, from demure wife to frightened runaway and, finally, to fulfilled and mature woman. Sweeney-Riker plays the mousey wife of know-it-all attorney Mellersh Wilton (Vincent L Foti III) with impish innocence, and the growth of her character's self-confidence in the second act is uplifting. Foti excels as the self-important husband, whose true assets are unveiled later.

Engborg's transformation as the broken Mrs. Arnott is particularly fascinating. Her clenched jaw and stiff upper lip literally melt away as her character discovers the magic of true friendship, changing her very countenance from that of a woman aged before her time to a striking, smiling beauty. Pat Kelly, as the equally desolate Mr. Arnott, is almost bi-polar in his character's shift from unhappy philanderer to devoted husband.

Jennifer Campain is lovely as tragic debutante Caroline Bramble, and Mary Catherine Bracali portrays cagey Mrs. Graves with a satisfying balance of vinegar and honey.

''Enchanted April'' takes a while to warm up. Lottie and Rose are initially as strained as the first act's sparse set. The two argue passive-aggressively and constantly with their husbands and each other about money, loyalty and happiness.

The play takes on new life in the second act. Set designer John Bracali's Italian Castle is breathtaking. Assisted by scenic artist Kristin Barnes, he has created a multi-level paradise with sunny terraces and lush greenery. Equally impressive are costume designer Brenda McGuire's many period gowns, dresses and suits, including the very conservative bathing suit worn by Sweeney-Riker.

Cheryl Bowman's portrayal of Italian domestic Costanza is notable. The entire role is in Italian, and Bowman rises to the challenge. Wayne Gmitter as the castle's dashing landlord carries on lively exchanges in Italian with Costanza that theatergoers not fluent in the language can easily intuit.

As directed by Rody Gilkeson, ''Enchanted April'' is a heartwarming tale brimming with homey warmth.

''Enchanted April,'' 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, 6 p.m. Sunday, Pennsylvania Playhouse, Illick's Mill Road, Bethlehem. Tickets: $15-18. 610-865-6665, http://www.paplayhouse.org .

Diana Morse is a freelance writer.

Jodi Duckett
Arts and Entertainment Editor
jodi.duckett@mcall.com
610-820-6704