DIALOGUE REAL STAR OF ‘TRIUMPH’
By ED CULLEN
Advocate staff writer
Published: Feb 5, 2007

It’s nice when a play for credit is worth two hours-plus. “The Triumph of Love,” written in 1732 by Marivaux, is such a production.  “Triumph” is a collection of pretty young people having fun talking pretty.

This version of Marivaux’s play, directed by Steven Young, is played as the cast of “Friends” might do “Pride and Prejudice.”

In a play requiring the mastery of gobs of dialogue, two of the standouts are supporting characters — Katie Coplen as the cold Leontine, Agis’ aunt; and Josh Toups as the tricycle-riding harlequin.

Drerup, who plays Leonide with overtones of somebody’s sorority big sister, carries much of the show with a strong performance. Rieser is the bloodless uncle transformed by love.

Nels Anderson’s set is perfect, the exploding poppies a bonus. Polly Boersig’s costumes are just right, especially Leontine’s evolving dress and accessories.

Review by an unknown audience member

I saw the show, myself, two days after the above reviewed performance, and must concur. There is one thing, however, that I would add: director Steve Young managed to get some of the tightest comedy performances out of his actors that I've ever seen, college or professional; the audience was in absolute stitches again and again. Particularly notable is Ben White's work--the show is worth seeing if only to catch how he opens the second act, singing an over-the-top operatic love ballad, showing mastery of the Pythonesque absurdist school with his absolute commitment to the song. You should go check it out if you're in town--it closes Sunday.  (see the blog from LSU Alumni Website)