Marivaux's "Triumph of Love" - by James Magruder, Jeffrey Stock and Susan Birkenhead - Arlington Friends of the Drama/AFD Theatre (Arlington, MA.) - REVIEW
(Cover Photo: Jill Tokac as “Corine” dances with Rilyn Gardner as “Princess Leonide” in a moment from the musical adaptation of Marivaux's "TRIUMPH OF LOVE" now playing at AFD Theatre in Arlington, MA. through September 28, 2025. Photo Credit: Leslie Maiocca)
By Kevin T. Baldwin
METRMAG Reviewer
# 774-242-6724
“How my heart hovers against the ceiling somewhere above? Never mind logic, truth, and art. Only one issue for this heart. Issue in question? Issue in question? No question. It's love."
- ("Agis") / James Magruder, Jeffrey Stock and Susan Birkenhead
Arlington Friends of the Drama/AFD Theatre
Presents the Musical
"TRIUMPH OF LOVE"
Book by James Magruder
Music by Jeffrey Stock
Lyrics by Susan Birkenhead
Directed by Paul Murphy
Cast Includes: Rilyn Gardner as “Princess Leonide,” Jill Tokac as “Corine,” Connor Burke as “Agis,” Stephanie Mann as “Hesione,” Ed Rozmiarek as “Hemocrates,” Patrick McCarthy as “Harlequin,” Ian Flynn as “Dimas,” Patricia Kopko as “Court Ensemble,” Avery Clements as “Court Ensemble.”
Additional Creative Team:
Co-Production Managers – Ginger Webb, Jo Wellins; Stage Manager – Nadine Sa; Assistant Stage Manager – Martha Chamberlin; Set Design – Doug Feinburg; Assistant Set Designer – Shayna Loeffler; Set Tech – David Warnock; Set Crew – Charlie Carr, Doug Feinburg, Ralpho Glifford, Seth Landau, Shayna Loeffler, Suzi Lubar, Vance Raiti, Ken Theriault, Molly Trainer, David Warnock, Ginger Webb; Costume Design – Ian Flynn; Hair and Make-up – Jeanne Callinan; Lighting Design – Rich Greaves; Lighting Assistants – Vyren Gray, Aether Oakland; Sound Desing – Bob Pascucci; Sound Assistant – Nancy Stafford; Props – Helane Blinn; Set Dressing – Doug Feinburg, Shayna Loeffler, Paul Murphy, Ginger Webb; Intimacy Choreographer – Katie Swimm.
Performances:
September 12, 2025 through September 28, 2025
(Contact Box Office for Exact Times)
AFD THEATRE, 22 Academy Street, Arlington, MA. 02476
TICKETS:
For more information or tickets, contact AFD THEATRE at www.afdtheatre.org/buy-tickets or by calling the box office at # 781-646-5922 or emailing boxoffice@afdtheatre.org.
BUY TICKETS
COVID 19 PROTOCOLS
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(Warning: The following review may contain spoilers)
AFD Theatre launches their 103rd season with the musical adaptation of the Marivaux comedy "TRIUMPH OF LOVE" (Original French title: “LE TRIOMPHE DE L'AMOUR”) and it is a pleasing romp through a very unusual garden.
Written by Pierre Carlet de Chamblain de Marivaux, "TRIUMPH OF LOVE" is a French farce with this particular musical adaptation put forth by a Book by James Magruder, Lyrics by Susan Birkenhead and Music by Jeffrey Stock.
The AFD Theatre musical production has been skillfully staged by director Paul Murphy supplemented with some clever choreography by Caroline Hubbard.
Toward the rear of the AFD stage sits an impressive orchestra supporting the "TRIUMPH OF LOVE" performers and ably guided by conductor and Music Director Kathryn Denney.
The structure of the musical focuses squarely on the antics of this talented ensemble who collectively give their best effort.
As a play, "THE TRIUMPH OF LOVE" was first performed in Paris in 1732 and was hardly triumphant as it was not well received, closing after a mere six performances.
Nearly two centuries later, the play would eventually be re-discovered and revived for the stage (in 1912 and later in 1956), ultimately being staged around the world and becoming admired for its outlandish humor and eccentric characters.
With its newfound audience, "THE TRIUMPH OF LOVE" would eventually be adapted into both this Broadway musical in 1997 and as a movie in 2001.
The musical "TRIUMPH OF LOVE" only ran for 85 performances and 30 previews but did garner enough attention to warrant nominations for three Drama Desk Awards and a Tony Award nomination for legendary actress Betty Buckley.
(Photo: Rilyn Gardner as “Princess Leonide,” with Connor Burke as “Agis” in a moment from the musical adaptation of Marivaux's "TRIUMPH OF LOVE" now playing at AFD Theatre in Arlington, MA. through September 28, 2025. Photo Credit: Leslie Maiocca)
As the musical fable unfolds, Princess Léonide (Rilyn Gardner) has arrived in disguise to the garden of noted philosopher, Hermocrate (Ed Rozmiarek).
All of the action in the AFD Theatre's production of the "TRIUMPH" musical takes place in a single setting as does much of the mayhem that ensues involving deception, duplicity and misunderstanding.
Gardner gives a solid performance as the exceptionally clever Léonide who has fallen in love, from afar, and has arrived to try and win the hand of the elder Hermocrate’s young charge, Agis (Connor Burke).
Gardner is featured in much of the score, yet particularly impresses in the songs “Anything” and “You May Call Me Phocion.”
Agis is unaware that he is, in reality, the son of the late Cléomènes, King of Sparta, who was ousted by Léonide's uncle in revenge for Cléomènes' kidnapping of his mistress, making Agis the legitimate prince of the realm over which Princess Léonide rules.
Agis considers Princess Léonide his sworn enemy when, in fact, quite the opposite is true - and Léonide has devised an absurdly devious plan to prove all of this to Agis.
Musically, Burke is not given much to do until late into the score but, when he is given the opportunity to perform, he absolutely delivers pure gold in the penultimate Act One number, “Issue the Question.”
(Photo: Jill Tokac as “Corine” dances with Rilyn Gardner as “Princess Leonide” in a moment from the musical adaptation of Marivaux's "TRIUMPH OF LOVE" now playing at AFD Theatre in Arlington, MA. through September 28, 2025. Photo Credit: Leslie Maiocca)
Hermocrate (Rozmiarek) is adamantly opposed to women on the property, with the sole exception being his sister, Hesione (Stephanie Mann).
Therefore, Princess Léonide has concealed her identity, posing in the disguise of a man, calling herself “Phocion.”
Aiding Léonide in her elaborate scheme is her devoted servant Corine (Jill Tokac), the property gardener, Dimas (Ian Flynn) and, for some reason, an “on-the-property jester” by the name of “Harlequin” (Patrick McCarthy).
There are playful antics between the above characters that help elevate the otherwise trite story to a far more humorous tale, as does the fine score.
With their assistance and alternating between Phocion and as a woman (although not revealing her true identity), Léonide proceeds to “woo” everyone on the property.
(Photo: Jill Tokac as “Corine” is amused by Patrick McCarthy as “Harlequin” in a moment from the musical adaptation of Marivaux's "TRIUMPH OF LOVE" now playing at AFD Theatre in Arlington, MA. through September 28, 2025. Photo Credit: Leslie Maiocca)
Truly, truly, truly…one must completely suspend disbelief for the preposterous scheme as it unfolds as it would require a high degree of dimness (or myopia) by those being duped by the Princess and her accomplices.
Léonide (somehow) convinces Hermocrate that she has fallen in love with him and vows not to leave until Hermocrate allows her sufficient time to prove herself worthy of his love in return.
Of course, this buys her time to pursue her own true love, Agis, as she feels as soon as she engages with Agis, she will first win him over as a friend, then later as the woman who truly adores him.
Similarly, as Phocion, Léonide meets up with Hesione, delightfully played by Mann (in the role that garnered the aforementioned Betty Buckley’s Tony Award nom), and woos her so she will advocate to Hermocrate to let Phocion stay on the property.
For anyone else buying into the disguise, one can only assume that glaucoma and cataracts were serious health issues during this time period.
However, if you can suspend disbelief, you will soon find yourself charmed by the characters in this musical.
"TRIUMPH OF LOVE" is played purely as musical farce, so don’t overthink it and you'll have much more fun.
(Photo: Rilyn Gardner as “Princess Leonide” with Ed Rozmiarek as “Hemocrates” in a scene from the musical adaptation of Marivaux's "TRIUMPH OF LOVE" now playing at AFD Theatre in Arlington, MA. through September 28, 2025. Photo Credit: Leslie Maiocca)
Every character is enjoyable to watch, including Rozmiarek as Hermocrate who immediately sees through Léonide’s “manly” disguise.
Rozmiarek is also given opportunities to shine in the numbers “Emotions” with Gardner and later with “The Tree” with Mann and, given his fine voice, does not disappoint.
Equally, Mann is in fine form with the ponderous melancholy tune, “Serenity.”
As the character of Agis, though, Burke is given the least material to work with being the object of Princess Léonide’s affections.
However, Burke plays into Agis’ sheltered existence (and subsequent naiveté) and gives a solid performance throughout, nonetheless.
Much of the hilarity is brilliantly parlayed thanks to the various exchanges between Tokac, Flynn and McCarthy, supported by a fine AFD vocal ensemble consisting of grounds workers played by Avery Clements and Particia Kopko.
Standout ensemble numbers include the first act’s “The Sad and Sordid Saga Ballad of Cecile” and the Act Two opener, “Have a Little Faith.”
(Photo: Stephanie Mann as “Hesione” is "wooed" by Rilyn Gardner as “Princess Leonide” in a scene from the musical adaptation of Marivaux's "TRIUMPH OF LOVE" now playing at AFD Theatre in Arlington, MA. through September 28, 2025. Photo Credit: Leslie Maiocca)
Just a reminder that this story was written in 1732 - so don't seek out any "woke" messaging. You won't find any.
That said, much of the story still holds up even with its rather archaic, silly and simplistic premise.
The basic yet elegant AFD single set design of the garden is not only visually appealing, it is accommodating of the orchestra along the back, and is also effective, allowing for ease of transitions throughout.
The varied period costumes, wigs and hair stylings is also worthy of high praise for the AFD Theatre production.
The first act tends to loiter, winding up at a “seat-fidgeting” 90-minutes, but this feels more an issue with the overall construct of the show rather than a pacing issue (as the pacing for the September 13th performance was completely satisfactory).
The story for the musical "TRIUMPH OF LOVE" which continues at AFD Theatre in Arlington until September 28th, is completely played in the intended spirit of good fun, for which the audience can simply sit back and enjoy.
Coming up next at AFD Theatre will be the Agatha Christie mystery, "SPIDER'S WEB" which begins December 5th, 2025.
For more information or tickets, contact AFD THEATRE at www.afdtheatre.org/buy-tickets or by calling the box office at # 781-646-5922 or emailing boxoffice@afdtheatre.org.
BUY TICKETS
Approximately two hours, 30 minutes with one intermission.
Kevin T. Baldwin is a member of the American Theatre Critics Association (ATCA)
@MetrmagReviews
@Theatre_Critics
ABOUT THE SHOW
The musical "TRIUMPH OF LOVE" is a romantic farce based on a classic 1732 Pierre de Marivaux French comedy.
Independent and self-assured Princess Leonide is smitten at first sight by Agis, not knowing that he has vowed to kill her.
The princess disguises herself as Phocion to infiltrate the guarded "men-only" compound where Agis has been raised to follow Rationalist Philosophy by his uncle and aunt.
Mistaken identities, hilarious complications, deeply felt desire, and surprising romantic entanglements ensue.
ABOUT ARLINGTON FRIENDS OF THE DRAMA/AFD THEATRE
ARLINGTON FRIENDS OF THE DRAMA, now known as AFD THEATRE, was founded in 1923 and is one of the ten oldest continually operating community theatre groups in the country. Now located in the former St. John's Episcopal Church, which has been extensively updated and made handicap-accessible. AFD THEATRE is among the finest area playhouses for actors, directors, production designers and audiences to produce and enjoy live theatre. About AFD THEATRE Seasons: AFD THEATRE puts on four productions: two musicals and two straight plays. AFD THEATRE holds auditions months ahead, and rehearse evenings and weekends. AFD THEATRE welcomes you to join the fun: help build sets, make costumes, do lights. Usher or sell concessions. AFD THEATRE is a community endeavor that seeks to engage all ages in the fun and exciting act of putting on a play!
22 Academy Street
Arlington, MA. 02476
# 781-646-5922
