Adapted by Sheridan Morley and Leigh Lawson
At the Lucille Lortel Theatre
Reviewed by David Roberts for Theatre Reviews Limited
If
love were truly all, Noel Coward would never have had to say of his deep
affection for Gertrude Lawrence, "Well, I didn't love her in ‘that' way."
Gertrude and Noel loved one another unconditionally and non-judgementally
and there is no better love around. From the time they met as young teens
until "parted by death," the depth of their relationship rivaled the intensity
of any "typical" marriage."If Love Were All" traces the development of this relationship personally and professionally and includes some nineteen musical numbers from a variety of Coward shows and sources. Twiggy as Gertrude Lawrence fares better than Harry Groener as Noel Coward, but these two fine actors work well together to make this a believable portrayal of Noel and Gertie. Twiggy's voice is exactly right for this role and she moves across the stage in impressive ways, whether dancing with Harry Groener or sharing with him in the Noel/Gertie vaudeville number ("Has Anybody Seen Our Ship"). Favorite numbers in the show are "Twentieth Century Blues," "I'll Follow My Secret Heart," and "London Pride."
Harry Groener's Noel provides the story line of the show with appropriate Noel Coward styling and graciousness and beneath the wit and the humor, the listener is always aware of how much he appreciated Gertie's talent and her affection for him. Coward may have felt that Gertie "had no critical faculty," but he respected his lifelong friend with a depth of love that both these actors portray with great sensitivity.
Tony Walton's set and Michael Lincoln's lighting are adequate but only that. The center stairway forces the focus too often away from other playing areas and the covered chandeliers are far too distracting. The period choreography works well as does Leigh Lawson's direction.
"If Love Were All" deserves a look during these dog days of Summer.
Reviewed on Friday, July 2, 1999 (Opened on Thursday, June 10, 1999)
"IF LOVE WERE ALL"
Adapted by Sheridan Morley and Leigh Lawson with the words and music of Noel Coward. Directed by Leigh Lawson. Choreographed by Niki Harris. Musical direction and arrangements by Tom Fay. Scenic and costume design by Tony Walton; lighting design by Michael Lincoln; sound design by Domonic Sack; producion stage manager, Denise Yaney. Presented at the Lucille Lortel Theatre, 121 Christopher Street between Hudson and Bleecker Streets. Performance schedule: Tuesday, Thursday through Friday at 8:00 p.m.; Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.; Saturday at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.; Sunday at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are $45.00 to $55.00 and can be reserved by calling 212-239-6200 or by clicking on "Purchase Tickets" above.