Wilder-Ludwig Beaux' Stratagem Garners Five Helen Hayes Nominations

The world-premiere production of the new adaptation of The Beaux' Stratagem by Thornton Wilder and Ken Ludwig, based on the Restoration comedy by George Farquhar, has garnered five Helen Hayes Award nominations, it was announced on Monday.The production, which was produced by the Shakespeare Theatre Company and directed by Michael Kahn, was a resounding hit for all concerned and played in November and December to sold-out audiences.The Helen Hayes Award nominees include Michael Kahn for Best Director; Veanne Cox for Best Actress; Colleen Delaney for Best Supporting Actress; Jamis Kronzer for Best Set Design; and Robert Perdziola for Best Costume Design. Two other stars of the production, Rick Foucheaux and Nancy Robinette, were also nominated for Helen Hayes Awards, for other productions.The Washington critics were unanimous in their praise of the piece and had this to say:“Funny … The production glides confidently from silly to wry, from the pratfall to the riposte … Suave Christopher Innvar and tart Veanne Cox [are] polished comic actors who seem as smart as the words they utter.”Peter Marks, The Washington Post“Perfectly enchanting … It's quick, funny and still capable of taking a swipe or two at convention. Cox is, not to put too fine a point on it, intoxicating.”Trey Graham, Washington City Paper“Delicious … The incomparable Nancy Robinette plays Lady Bountiful with maniacal glee.”Leslie Milk, The Washingtonian“A delightful romp … A sparklingly funny evening that, under the superb direction of Michael Kahn, plays very well indeed. Innvar is often hilarious.”Brad Hathaway, Potomac Stages“A great cast … One of the best nights you'll spend in the theater.”Grace Cavalieri, The Montserrat Review“Sheer laugh-out-loud fun … Farquhar, Wilder and Ludwig all had such a good time skewering the institution of marriage … that laughter is the only possible reaction. Kahn has put together a superb production.”Lucia Anderson, The Free Lance-Star“Funny is funny! Cox is pure delight. Robinette is exquisite.”Margaret Lawrence, Culpeper Star-Exponent“A sparkling production … The dialogue crackles, the characters engage the audience's interest and sympathy, and the whole thing seems almost effortless.”Susan Berlin, TalkinBroadway.com“Irresistible … A delightful holiday gift.”Marilou Donahue, Artistically Speaking“The Beaux Stratagem's satirical portrayal of marriage and courtship is disarmingly charming and witty. One of Shakespeare Theatre's finest performances to date.”Natalie Koss, On Tap“Laugh-out-loud comedy … In this strong cast, Veanne Cox is a standout.”Barbara Greiling, Potomac News“A romp … with a very funny script and a lively production.”David Cannon, Sentinel Newspaper