Withering Looks in Portland

Withering Looks, the play by the British comic duo Lip Service (Maggie Fox and Sue Ryding), is now being performed in Portland, Oregon:

Cygnet Productions

Withering Looks: An Entertaining Evening With the Brontë Sisters

A Very Silly, Yet Quite Literate, Romp Through the Lives and Letters of the Authors of “Jane Eyre” and “Wuthering Heights”

Luisa SERMOL
Vana O’BRIEN
Directed by Louanne MOLDOVAN

Cygnet Theatre, Portland’s literary cabaret since 1992, presents Withering Looks, a frothy, irreverent homage to Charlotte and Emily Brontë, their eccentric family, their classic, beloved romantic novels, and the heather on the moors. Beginning April 22, this arch comedy asks—and answers—such questions as:

Who is the Brontës’ mysterious neighbor, Mr. Moorcock of Ravaged Heath House, and what does the maniacal laughter coming from his attic mean?
Is Anne Brontë really only 2’6” tall?
Who should Cathy marry, Heathcliff or David Niven?
Withering Looks was written by Maggie Fox and Sue Ryding of the Manchester, England Lip Service Theatre company. It won a Critics Award for Comedy at the Edinburgh Festival.

Withering Looks pairs two of Portland’s favorite actresses, long-time Cygnet company members Vana O’Brien and Luisa Sermol, and is directed by Louanne Moldovan, founder and artistic director of Cygnet. Comments Luisa Sermol: “I was an English lit major, and felt a kinship with the Brontës. With Withering Looks I get to bring my fascination full circle, I get to be playful with it—and I get to play with Vana!" Adds Vana O’Brien, “This is the silliest thing we’ve ever done, it’s very light-hearted. That droll British wit, y’know...good for the digestion of scones."

Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays 7:30 pm, April 22–May 9
TaborSpace Coffee House, 5441 SE Belmont
Suggested donation $15, or $8 for students and seniors
Reservations: 503-230-8827

Categories: Humour, Theatre