Off-Broadstreet Theatre meets ‘My Cousin Rachel.’
By: Stuart Duncan
Daphne Du Maurier’s novel My Cousin Rachel was written in 1938, but not published until July of 1951 in Britain and the following February in the U.S. It raced to the top of bestseller lists and almost immediately was grabbed by Hollywood for a film starring Olivia de Havilland and Richard Burton. In typical Hollywood style, the ending was changed in an effort to broaden the appeal for audiences. In 1980 Diana Morgan adapted the novel for the stage, and Hopewell’s Off-Broadstreet Theatre is offering a rare staging of the work.
Morgan’s treatment stays very close to the original intent of the book; in fact, much of the dialogue is taken directly from the pages. She also eliminated the film’s "happy ending" and by doing so allows audiences to assign their own measures of justice and retribution. You may remember that the story takes us back to the 1890s in Cornwall, England, specifically to the Great Hall of a manor house (in 11 scenes over two acts). In short order we meet Philip Ashley (Patrick Roy Albanesius) grieving over the loss of his mentor and older cousin, Ambrose, who has died mysteriously in Italy.
Philip has not yet reached the age of maturity, which at that time in England was 25, but has become Ambrose’s sole heir and the recipient of a rather large estate. It turns out that Ambrose had married in Italy and apparently had intended to write a new will leaving everything to his wife, but never signed the document. So when the wife, Rachel (Sabrina Rose), shows up in Cornwall, there is much suspicion. However, Rachel is very appealing and vivacious, especially to Phillip and she breaks down any resistance. Indeed he becomes infatuated, offers her expensive gifts and tries to take her to bed. As a result Philip loses his longtime friendship with the Kendalls, father and daughter (Curtis Kaine and Sarah Krauss). In fact, Nicholas Kendall protests vigorously when Philip attempts to pass some of the jewelry from the estate to Rachel, pointing out quite properly that Philip has not yet reached the age of consent.
The melodrama continues as tales from Italy abound, suggesting that Ambrose’s death was indeed unexpected. And when an Italian friend, Antonio Rainaldi, shows up all guile and smiles (played with exquisite oily unction by Patrick Andrae), Philip sees him as an opponent for Rachel’s hand. The cast of six at Off-Broadstreet thoroughly enjoys spreading the tiny shafts of doubt and glimpses of reality. Director Robert Thick has kept the evening paced for a brisk trot, as indeed it must be (novels translated to the stage tend to sag if left unattended).
Rose plays Rachel with lovely shadings, using a brilliant smile to mask her intentions when necessary. And Albanesius allows all of Philip’s youth and immaturity to show. If you have read the novel recently you will note that the final dialogue is actually the opening page of the book, but perhaps it would be best just to sit back and allow the charm of a fine cast and strong direction let the story unfold.
My Cousin Rachel continues at Off-Broadstreet Theatre, 8 S. Greenwood Ave., Hopewell, through April 7. Performances: Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m. Doors open one hour before show time for dessert. Tickets cost $22.50-$27. For information, call (609) 466-2766. On the Web: www.off-broadstreet.com

