“THE LITTLE FOXES,” oh so clever and cunning

Citadel Theatre’s production of “THE LITTLE FOXES” takes this classic work and makes it come alive with a litany of moral concepts that are timeless. The play by dramatist Lillian Hellman is set in 1900, but it could just as easily take place today. It’s about power, deception and greed and who’s left holding the bag… or left alone.

The plot centers on a rich Alabama family who see themselves as Southern aristocracy, yet want to further their social status and wealth. Two scheming brothers continue to fight over money and power, but they’re all afraid to cross their sister, the ruthless evil matriarch of the family, Regina Hubbard Giddens, played by Bette Davis in the original 1941 movie. The only thing standing in their way to get the funds they need to invest in a new mill is their sickly brother-in-law, Horace.

The acting is superb as all of the characters plot and plan their next moves. The meaty role of Giddens is portrayed by Saren Nofs Snyder, who resembles Vivian Leigh in “Gone with the Wind.” She is headstrong and determined not to let anything stop her, including a husband whom she loathes. Tim Walsh as Horace understands his conniving wife, and tries to thwart her, but fails. Alicia Kahn as Birdie Hubbard plays the abused-wife of brother Oscar with loveliness, charm and a perfect Southern accent. Her love for niece Alexandra, played by innocent Anna Civik, is real and perhaps the only caring, authentic relationship in the entire play. Mention must be made of Terri Lynn Hudson and Williams Rose as servants Addie and Cal, who lend a certain degree of morality to the play and forge a feeling of guilt around the other characters. Ultimately, it is Addie who ends the play and who will profit from her last conversation with Horace.

Kudos to set designer Eric Luchen who has created a “set within a set” where the interior dining room is seen on stage, but works more like a safe haven for those put-upon family members. Costumes by designer Amanda Vander Byl are beautiful, befitting the sophisticated characters they play.

Directed by Kristina McCloskey, the show moves quickly with precision timing and leaves the audience with plenty to ponder. The show is performed through Sunday, October 28; Thursdays at 7:30 pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm, Sundays at 3 pm. Additional matinees Wednesdays October 3 and 17 at 1 pm. No performance Friday, October 5. The Citadel Theatre is located at 300 S. Waukegan Road in Lake Forest. For tickets go to www.citadeltheatre.org or by phone at 847-735-8554, ext. 1. The company’s next production is “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, November 16 – December 23.

All photos courtesy of the North Shore Camera Club.