The Wisdom of Eve offers a backstage look at the theatre

Sometimes to get to the top you have to step on some toes on the way up.

For one girl in Scarborough Theatre Guild's latest show, The Wisdom of Eve by Mary Orr, she not only stepped on some toes but also some hearts and egos on her quest to be the biggest star on Broadway.

A show about ambition, ego and a backstage look into the theatre world, this show boasted a talented cast who made the behind-the-scenes look intriguing, shocking and entertaining.

Set in New York City in the 1950s, the show opens with an introductory narrative by Karen Roberts (Cindy Platten) who then shifts into character as playwright Lloyd Roberts' (Kevin Shaver) wife and the best friend of Broadway star Margo Crane (Kim Sprenger).

Outside the theatre doors autograph hounds usually lie in wait, but on this night Karen encounters Eve Harrington (Danielle Capretti), a quiet, non-threatening girl who claims to have seen Margo's show 57 times and would kill to express her deep admiration for her.

Karen agrees to bring her in and Margo's ego is so touched by Eve's praise and her sad story that has led her to be in New York that she offers her a job as her assistant and the two become fast friends.

However, there is something suspicious about Eve and only Margo's husband Clement (Mike Woodbridge) is keen enough to see it, but with no proof and no chance against Margo's strong will, he hopes for the best.

Slowly but surely, Eve's true intentions begin to surface after she asks Karen to help her become Margo's understudy. Upset at a recent disagreement between Margo and her husband, Karen takes it a step further and helps Eve get on stage in place of Margo, and she is a success!

Soon, the unravelling of Eve's true character and her ultimate plan to replace Margo at the top is revealed and executed. Whether you agree with Eve's methods or not, you have to admire how she planted seeds with each person, weaseled her way into the theatre by way of sympathy and once opportunity struck, took it without shame.

From here, everyone's world is turned upside down and slander, blackmail, betrayal and marital deception is thrown in the mix as Eve continues on her relentless mission to achieve stardom.

Director Andy Pandoff did a great job using different spaces in the theatre to portray the story. The set was elaborately detailed, simultaneously being the set for the Roberts' New York apartment and country home, as well as Margo's dressing room by use of creatively splitting the stage, using lighting techniques and different levels.

The two leading ladies were both new and a welcome addition to the Scarborough stage. This play is not suited to everyone's tastes so two strong females are needed to play the actresses and these ladies were an excellent choice.

Capretti's performance as the single-focussed Eve was fiercely believable. It left you not knowing whether to hate her or admire her for her efforts and her performance gave the play a certain "held breath" quality as you never knew what she would do next.

Sprenger played the ego-filled starlet Margo with such skill that you almost thought she deserved all the trouble brought her way. Performances by Woodbridge and Shaver as the husbands helped carry the story along nicely, and Platten's portrayal of Karen was polished and enjoyable, which is consistent to every show she is in.

As mentioned, while there were many creative elements to the show and great performances, this story about the theatre won't be to everyone's taste. Add to the fact that it was just under three hours and slow-paced at times, it's not a show for everyone.

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The Wisdom of Eve's remaining shows are Jan. 21 - 23, 28 and 29, 8 p.m., and 2 p.m. matinees on Jan. 24 and 30, at the Scarborough Village Theatre, 3600 Kingston Rd. Tickets are $17 and $14 for students and seniors on Thursdays and Sundays only. For tickets call 416-267-9292 or visit them online at www.theatrescarborough.com