Review: 'The Lucky Chance' a Masterful Entertainment by Head Trick Theatre

"The Lucky Chance" is a zany, and, at times, surrealistic comedy about love and marriage. Playwright Aphra Behn wrote the script in 1686. The first production was staged in 1687 at The Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, London.

Head Trick Theatre has done a masterful job with their adaptation, which features plenty of gender bending. It's a daring gambit that pays off due to the outstanding work by the ensemble.

Aidan Costa is Letitia, a young woman set to be married to the much older Sir Feeble Fainwoud (Amy W. Thompson). Letitia is in love with Harry Belmour (David O. Weber II). Meanwhile, Sir Cautious Fulbank's wife, Julia (Julian Trilling), is sought after by Charles Gayman (Blanche Case), who is deeply in debt. Charles ends up with a considerable amount of money and makes a deal with Cautious: He will give him 300 pounds for a night with Julia.

Behn has much to say about the subjugation of women to the whims of men. Sir Feeble is sexually aggressive toward his bride to be; Letitia is clearly terrified and repulsed by him. She has nowhere to hide, and no one to protect her. How many other women were suffering through the same type of existence?

Julia is appalled when she discovers Charles in her bed. Charles refers to her as an "innocent adulteress" with no sense of irony.

Thompson fearlessly displays an uninhibited sexual appetite as Feeble disrobes in a failed effort to seduce Letitia. Case, who self-identifies as non-binary, brings conviction and depth to Charles.

Ryk McIntyre skillfully blends haughty arrogance and vulnerability as Cautious. He's a man without any ideas on how to relate to women. The fact he is willing to use his own wife as a prostitute reveals his deep moral bankruptcy.

Weber is tremendously likable as Harry, the good guy in the story, a man determined to spend his life with Letitia. Weber and Costa are genuinely touching in their scenes together.

The action is imaginatively staged by director Rebecca Maxfield. One scene is set in near total darkness, where lovers plan to run away together. A very strange incident features Mr. Bearjest (Ezra Jordan) being pummeled by pool noodles. Bearjest also gyrates to a Daft Punk song. Such unusual moments enhance the story, instead of detracting from it.

"The Lucky Chance" features superb costume designs by Marissa DuFault. They are a feast for the eyes and complement the personalities of the characters perfectly.

This is provocative entertainment that takes chances.

"The Lucky Chance" runs through November 24 at Head Trick Theatre. Performances at AS 220, 95 Empire St., Providence, RI. Run time: 2 hours plus intermission. For tickets, visit headtricktheatre.org.