Diane and I traveled to Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada to see You Never Can Tell. This play is part of the yearly Shaw Festival that features Shaw’s plays (and this is one of them) as well as plays from the GBS time-period. Set in 1886 in the English seaside town, the comic antics start immediately. Dr. Valentine (played by Gray Powell), a dentist, falls madly in love with the fetching redhead, Gloria Clandon (played by Julia Course). But, of course, there are obstacles. Gloria’s mother, a famous writer, has been living apart from her husband for 18 years. But, guess who lives in this seaside town? Yes, Mrs. Clandon’s estranged husband. And the wisest waiter in the world: William (played to perfection by Peter Millard). There are plenty of silly antics including a wacky costume party that morphs into a legal proceeding. Shaw peppers his play with his “ideas” and sardonic wit. If you’re looking for an entertaining and enlightening vintage play, check out You Never Can Tell. GRADE: A
Also, you can’t go wrong at Niagara-on-the-Lake! It’s a beautiful setting and has comfortable, easy to walk to theaters and reasonable prices for shows. We really enjoyed our one visit there.
As to the play, we saw the Broadway revival in 1986, with the great Philip Bosco and Amanda Plummer. We’ve seen a lot of Shaw over the years, including Captain Brassbound’s Conversion (in London, with Rex Harrison), Pygmalion (twice), Mrs. Warren’s Profession (twice, first in a bizarre production with Ruth Gordon of all people, and Lynn Redgrave as the daughter; then over 30 years later, with Cherry Jones), The Devil’s Disciple (3 times, lastly with Philip Bosco and Victor Garber), Candida (first with Deborah Kerr, in London in 1977, and then at Niagara four years ago), Saint Joan (Lynn Redgrave and Philip Bosco), Heartbreak House (Rex Harrison and Amy Irving), and Major Barbara (twice, once with the seemingly ubiquitous Philip Bosco).
Jeff, you are our resident George Bernard Shaw expert! I’ve seen a few Shaw plays, but none with the star power of your performances! Like you, Diane and I love Niagara-on-the-Lake. We attend the Shaw Festival almost every summer.
Have never seen this one. Glad it was worthwhile.
Patti, the program notes say Shaw saw Oscar Wilde’s THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST and wrote YOU NEVER CAN TELL under that influence. This is one of the funnier Shaw plays I’ve ever seen.
You’re also fortunate that Niagara-on-the-Lake is so accessible to you. It’s a beautiful place in the summer.
But did you get any custard on the way? Jackie needs a vicarious experience.
Jeff, Diane and I stop at Hibbard’s Custard every time we’re near Lewiston, NY. I’m going there for a Library Book Sale in a couple of weeks. The only problem with traveling to Niagara-on-the-Lake is the process of getting over the International Bridges. Sometimes the wait times can be lengthy.
I know. That is the issue – which bridge do I take, when is the best time to go, etc.? We didn’t have that much trouble going there or to Niagara Falls but you definitely have to factor in a possible long wait.
Rick, Niagara Falls is a must-see in my book too. I could stand there for hours watching the water go over.
Jeff, Diane and I have had good luck going into Canada on the Rainbow Bridge and returning on the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge (close to Hibbard’s Custard!).
I’ve never seen a Bernard play, nor have I been to Niagara-on-the-Lake (it’s a pretty long drive). Glad you enjoyed it, sounds great.
Rick, you and your wife would enjoy Niagara-on-the-Lake. The Canadians are big gardeners so there are flowers and plant EVERYWHERE! Niagara-on-the-Lake also has wonderful little shops and restaurants. And, the American dollar is worth $1.25 over there. A bargain!
I’ve noticed a lot of people putting commas before names when they aren’t needed. The closest I’ve come to seeing a Shaw play is My Fair Lady.
Bob, I’ve seen Pygmalion (aka, MY FAIR LADY) three times.
George, we were taught English literature in school and I remember being impressed by G.B. Shaw’s writing, especially a part of his play “Pygmalion” that we’d to study and interpret. I haven’t seen a play in many years.
Prashant, the Shaw play that wipes me out each time I see it is SAINT JOAN. Powerful.