The Constant Wife

It’s the classic tale of a man who loves a woman, a woman who loves a man and the world that gets in their way. Somerset Maugham’s tale of potential infidelity comes to the Boulevard Theatre as it presents The Constant Wife. Maureen Dornemann stars as title character Constance Middleton whose fidelity to her husband Dr. John Middleton, played by Michael Chobanoff, is called into question when former flame Bernard, played by Jaime Jastrab, re-enters her life.

In a clever move to keep production costs low, the Boulevard stages this classic 1925 drama as a rehearsal of understudies for a much bigger, more opulent production of Maugham’s drama. The set and costuming are minimal, and the cast itself was assembled with many new faces and amateur actors. In such a stark environment, individuals have the opportunity to set themselves apart.

Maureen Dornemann does a remarkably good job of portraying the title character, but she has previously proved herself to be a thoroughly interesting actress. Here Dornemann’s intelligent stage presence is put to good work portraying a woman who would seem less than three-dimensional if she were portrayed by an actress of less talent. Though she is clearly more defined in the play by her husband than anything else, the title character possesses a kind of strength that goes beyond her occupation as wife. It’s a delicate distinction that Dornemann nails perfectly. Her husband, played here by Michael Chobanoff, balances out the picture quite well. Chobanoff portrays the role of a less than faithful husband with all of the depth that a character like his needs in order to really makes the performance work.

The Boulevard Theater’s production of The Constant Wife runs through October 5th. 414-744-5757 or www.boulevardtheatre.com for more info.