Les Liaisons Dangereuses

By Christopher Hampton
Based on the novel by Choderlos de Laclos
Directed by Artistic Associate David Darlow
March 17 – May 2, 2010

Christopher Hampton’s award-winning, English-language adaptation of Choderlos de Laclos’ infamous 1782 novel of sexual intrigue and ruthless manipulation! Set in the salons and boudoirs of pre-Revolutionary France, two high-powered and well-heeled friends, the Vicomte de Valmont and the Marquise de Merteuil, devise a game to test their skills as rapacious lovers. The revenge-seeking Marquise challenges the Vicomte to woo the virginal Cecile, while he sets his sights on the seduction of the virtuous and religious Madame Tourvel. In their tenacious battle for the upper hand, they, like the others, become part of the wreckage. This production contains some nudity.

Reviews

“Spectacular… beautifully cast… lushly underscored. You will surely enjoy its juicy naughtiness.”
-Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune

“Lively, juicy… [Sandys is] dyspeptically dashing as Valmont… The evening belongs to Rebecca Spence, supremely, deliciously self-composed as Merteuil, the ‘virtuosa of deceit.'”
-Chicago Reader

“No shortage of feisty shenanigans… The remarkable Sandys and Spence sink their fangs into Hampton’s witty banter… Darlow has mined the script well for naughty subtext and comedic bits… The conclusion…oozes with tension, and slick design choices wrap things up with a satisfying bang.”
-Ali Weiss, Time Out

“Salacious fun with sardonic wisdom… A Dresden china shepherdess with fangs, Rebecca Spence captures the icy opportunism of this wicked widow Merteuil. Her glacial malice is matched Nick Sandys’ aggressively amoral Valmont. When the cad actually falls in love with his prey, the heartbreakingly hopeful Linda Gillum, the game turns tragic.”
-Lawrence Bommer, Chicago Free Press

“Now we know why the French have their own kiss… Erupts with passionate trysts for a sexually charged escapade of entertainment… The costumes by Emily Waecker are exquisite for a visual history lesson on outer and under wear.”
-Katy Walsh, Chicago Theater Blog

 

Production Photos

Cast

Greg Matthew Anderson- Le Chevalier D’Anceny
Annabel Armour- Mme. de Rosemonde
Linda Gillum- Mme. de Tourvel
Sienna Harris- Emilie
Margaret Katch- Cecile Volanges
Janice O’Neill- Mme. de Volanges
Nick Sandys- Le Vicomte de Valmont
Drew P. Shirley- Azolan, Valmont’s valet de chamber
Rebecca Spence- Mme. de Merteuil
Emily Tate Frank- Ensemble
Lauren Omelson- Ensemble

 

Production

David Darlow- Director
Amy M. Bertacini- Production Stage Manager
Alan Donahue- Scenic Designer
Emily Waecker- Costume Designer
Michael Rourke- Lighting Designer
Jason Knox- Sound Designer
Nick Heggestad- Properties Designer