Dangerous Liaisons This 1985 play by Christopher Hampton, which won the Laurence Olivier Award as Best New Play, chronicles the devious machinations of two scheming aristocrats, Viscount Valmont and the Marquise de Merteuil, who use seductions and intrigue to pay off slights, real or imaginary. Dangerous Liaisons looks behind a silken curtain at the evil of mankind, exposing self-aggrandizing behavior, cruel and careless of others. Unfortunately, the cast and direction fall seriously short of creating such a world, though there are some fine individual performances. Amy Warren portrays the evil Marquise, and she is excellent, and delivers the rhythmic speech pattern of witty repartee. Lisa Wartenberg plays Madame de Tourvel, who resists the advances of the viscount, and Wartenberg finds the complexity in her troubled defense of virtue. Erica Bundy portrays the courtesan Emilie, providing beauty and charm. Adrienne Shearer plays Cécile de Volanges, fresh from a convent, but seemed giddy rather than youthful. Her mother (Erin Kidwell) resorts to fluttering a fan to create a personality, and Julie Oliver as Madame de Rosemonde plays her with many of the gestures of age but little of the expected authority. Nick Reid plays Azalan, the viscount's valet, and creates an over-the-top, vivid persona, riveting in its daring. Dustin Salinas plays Le Chevalier Raphael Danceny, and initially seemed skittish, but was better in later scenes. Portraying the viscount is Tom Stell, who's seriously miscast. His line readings are flat, and he projects sincerity, while the part calls for deliberate, but persuasive, insincerity. Since this is the leading role, the play never really comes to life. The work is directed by Ron Jones, who hasn't created the desired ensemble acting that can make the world of the play seem real. Through September 28. Obsidian Art Space, 3522 White Oak, 832-889-783 7. — JJT
Nijinsky's Last Dance Renowned as one of the greatest ballet dancers of all time, Vaslav Nijinsky was a complicated character. He changed the face of the art through his distinctively angular, sexually charged choreography. Edge Theatre is currently presenting the regional premiere of Nijinsky's Last Dance, penned by Normal Allen, winner of the Helen Hayes Award for New Play. Newcomer Darnea Steven Olson plays the role of Nijinsky as well as capturing eight other characters that are interwoven throughout. This is a difficult production in all respects. Aside from the subject, tackling a one-man, hour-and-a-half production is a monstrous exploit in itself. You have to give Olson a lot of credit for taking on this role. It is obviously physically exhausting and mentally draining as well. He did a commendable job and should be proud of his work. However, he wasn't quite there. That fierce, obsessive behavior that Nijinsky became known for, which would ultimately drive him mad, wasn't powerful enough to understand his painful mental downfall. Despite this, Olson has a great career as an actor ahead of him. He is captivating and unadulterated, a raw talent who will go far with some more coaching. For both those familiar and those not with the dancer's fascinating story, this play is worthy of watching. Through September 20. Midtown Art Center, 3414 La Branch, 832-894-1843 or www.brownpapertickets.com — AK
