Some of us might recall the sumptuous film version of E.M. Forster’s A Room with a View, the 1985 Merchant-Ivory masterpiece. A small community theater company, Lumina Studio Theatre, staged a sophisticated reading with an original adaption by John O’Connor. It was delightful. Maggie Smith would be proud.
Casting worked beautifully with Clare Lefebure and Dre Weeks as Lucy and chaperone cousin Charlotte, who set the tone at the outset as they checked into their accommodations. Both present clear intentions through their dignified manner and expressions as they note with disappointment that their room does not have a view of the countryside. Once English gentleman Mr. Emerson and son George overhear the ladies’ lament and offer to exchange rooms, the Edwardian sense of propriety is challenged, and we’re off to the races.
Clare Lefebure, as Lucy, is translucent as she is determined to live her life to the fullest and discovers feelings she wasn’t even aware she had. Throughout the vacation, we see the layers of repressive Edwardian societal sentiment recede from her as if she is emerging from a constrictive corset. Dre Weeks is equally effective, observing Lucy with a watchful eye, ever mindful that even a minor slip in decorum could mean life or death in social standing.
Michael Novello’s George starts off pensive and reserved, then succumbs to his own desires to make his move on Lucy in a lovely calibrated performance. Other standouts include Liz Porter as Mrs. Lavish, who is irrepressible and with a bouncy energy, and Brian Monsell’s Mr. Beebe, a beloved parson exuding trust and goodwill.
There are lots of moving parts in this expansive reading that cover Lucy’s dilemma of becoming engaged to an upper-crust crust, stodgy suitor while the passionate George Emerson has positioned himself in her sights. The production also reflected distinct geographical images, from an Italian piazza to a beautiful English country garden presented via terrific sound and projections by Ron Murphy. Exquisite direction by Kelly Newman O’Connor and David Minton kept the 17 performers engaged and moving choreographically with precision, including an adorable “double carriage ride” with the sound of clopping horses and actors bouncing in their chairs.
I have been following Lumina for years, fascinated by the creativity and strong character development in their young performers guided by David Minton and other directors. While adults take the stage periodically, it’s the young people who steal the shows, performing with confidence and impressive skills. Their spring schedule includes the Lumina Ensemble (youth) performing The Mystery Plays by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa in April and a mainstage spring show, Bleak House, in May. Ticket information can be found online. Based on their record for first-class entertainment, they are a sure bet to catch.
A Room with a View played script-in-hand January 24 and 25, 2025, presented by Lumina Studio Theatre’s Lumina Theatre Group, performing at the Silver Spring Black Box Theatre, 8641 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD.
A Room with a View
by E.M Forster
Original Adaptation by John O’Connor
Directed by Kelly Newman O’Connor and David Minton
