Reduxion Theatre produces sexy intrigue

Oklahoma City performance company stages Dangerous Liaisons

(Oklahoma City) – Reduxion Theatre announced the opening of a sexy stage play just in time for the St. Valentine’s Day season. A continuing of RTC’s 2014-2015 season, the “Scandalous” season, the company’s next production will be “Les Liaisons Dangereuses” (Dangerous Liaisons) a play by Christopher Hampton, based on the shocking 1782 novel of the same title by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos. The show opens on February 6 and runs through the 28th.

This sexy pre-French Revolution drama with daring sword fights is largely known for the popular 1988 film adaptation Dangerous Liaisons starring Glenn Close, John Malkovich, and Michelle Pfeiffer. The plot focuses on the Marquise de Merteuil and the Vicomte de Valmont, rivals who use sex as a weapon of humiliation and degradation, all the while enjoying their cruel games. Revenge, scandal, erotic intrigue, and beautiful Marie Antoinette-style period costumes…what more do you want on Valentine’s Day?

“We wish to push the envelope artistically,” said Erin Woods, Reduxion Theatre Managing Director and production director of Les Liaisons. “At Reduxion, we are drawn to daring shows,” explained Woods, “Liaisons’ is a story celebrated as an expose on seduction, revenge and human cruelty, but it also illustrates the decadence of the French aristocracy at a time shortly before the French Revolution.”

The Christopher Hampton play was originally staged in 1985 by the Royal Shakespeare Company. Alan Rickman originated the role of the Vicomte de Valmont, and Lindsay Duncan the role of Marquise de Merteuil. In 1987, the play went to Broadway with its original leading cast. It was awarded the Tony for Best Direction of a Play and won the 1987 New York Drama Critics' Circle Award for Best Foreign Play. Hampton is also known for writing the screenplay for the 1988 film adaptation, which won three Academy Awards (including Best Screenplay) and was nominated for a total of seven (including Best Picture of the Year).

 Local professional actor and OU School of Drama professor, Matthew Ellis plays Valmont, RTC veteran Kris Schinske plays Merteuil, and Crystal Ecker (also known as the Red Carpet Car Wash “Maid for your Car” spokesperson) plays Madame de Tourvel, the innocent target of the leading couples’ cruel games. “Les Liaisons Dangereuses” contains nudity and sexual situations. The play is recommended for adults 18 year and older.

Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8pm, beginning February 6 through 28th, and Sunday matinees at 2pm on February 15 and 22 at the “Reduxion Theatre on Broadway,” at 914 N. Broadway Ave., in downtown Oklahoma City. Tickets are available for purchase in advance online at reduxiontheatre.com or at the door, the day of each performance, subject to availability. Prices are $25 – adults; $22 - seniors and military; and $18 - students under 25-years-old with I.D.

The Gayly – February 6, 2015 @ 9:40am.