Shaw examines the end of an era

New York: Sometimes a small plane crash is just a plane crash — or, in a Bernard Shaw play, it might represent a brash new era smashing into the old ways of doing things.As genteel, late-Victorian England behavioral constrictions gave way to modern Edwardian ideas, people were naturally resistant to the changes. Shaw was only too happy to portray stuffy societal norms being upended in his 1910 satire, "Misalliance."

The Pearl Theatre`s zestful off-Broadway production fully embraces all the humorous aspects of Shaw`s writing. This "Misalliance" is a talkative play, filled with wit and energy, yet also laden with farce and slapstick. The play takes place one summer Saturday afternoon in the conservatory of the Tarleton family`s large English country mansion. The family recently arrived in the middle-class via a successful underwear business, and they`re entertaining some aristocratic friends for the weekend. Director Jeff Steitzer ably keeps the large cast in constant motion as events cascade from a discussion-laden afternoon into near-pandemonium and even fisticuffs. Hypocrisies and long-kept secrets are revealed as the changing times are amusingly imposed on everyone by several unexpected events. Dan Dailey manages to be both bombastic and wistful as kindly John Tarleton, successful linen draper and would-be philosopher. His capable wife, referred to as "chickabiddy" by her husband, is warmly portrayed by Robin Leslie Brown. Lee Stark plays young Hypatia Tarleton, a seemingly docile, sought-after single woman. Hypatia yearns for adventure, but has settled for becoming engaged to a smart but immature aristocrat, Bentley Summerhays. Stark stifles Hypatia`s youthful energies throughout the first act, but bursts into rebellious, man-chasing mode in Act 2. Other comically touching performances abound. Rubber-faced Steven Boyer captivates as the petulant, insecure Bentley. Although engaged to Hypatia, he`s nonetheless an object of scorn for her domineering older brother, Johnny, played with smooth self-importance by Bradford Cover. Dominic Cuskern portrays Bentley`s father, distinguished civil servant Lord Summerhays, with wisdom and resignation. Often heard uttering in despair, "parents and children!" both Summerhays and Tarleton increasingly realize how little they understand the younger generation. The arrival of an aggrieved, lower-class clerk sets up more surprises. Sean McNall is charming as this confused, gun-toting visitor, who brings a touch of socialism to the party. Ultimately most welcome are two guests who crash-land into the nearby greenhouse in a small airplane. Dashing young pilot Joey Percival, played with manly bravado by Michael Brusasco, sets Hypatia`s blood boiling with something like lust. His passenger, a Polish acrobat named Lina Szczepanowska, soon bursts everyone`s carefully held views of "proper" womanly behavior. Lina is played with independence and vigor by Erika Rolfsrud, who boldly strides about the stage in jodhpurs, declaring the value of physical exercise and manhandling all the men with her massage technique. The well-appointed conservatory garden set by Bill Clarke is radiantly lit by Stephen Petrilli. Beautifully detailed pastel costumes by Liz Covey round out the feel of a pastoral summer afternoon, even if it`s the calm before a major storm of social change. "Misalliance" is playing at the New York City Center Stage II through Jan. 24. Bureau Report