Robey Theatre Company Presents 'The Great Lover'

By Darlene Donloe

"The Great Lover" at the Los Angeles Theatre Center is a captivating production that embodies the essence of romance, wit, and danger. 

Alexandre Dumas' classic comedy-drama, masterfully directed by Ben Guillory and presented by The Robey Theatre Company, brings to life the charming Duke de Richelieu, a silver-tongued devil with a penchant for seduction, and it’s all done with a cast filled with people of color.

Director Ben Guillory

Guillory told an audience during the opening weekend that he did not pursue “colorblind casting,” in fact, quite the opposite. His casting of all Black and Hispanic actors was intentional. 

The result is an exquisite tour-de-force Robey Theatre Company production.

Tiffacy Coty-Goines (Marquee De Prie)

The story revolves around a high-stakes wager: Richelieu claims he can seduce the first beautiful woman he lays eyes on. However, his target, Gabrielle, is under the protection of the clever Marquise de Prie, adding a layer of complexity to the narrative. 

As Richelieu navigates the intricate web of relationships and desire, he finds himself in a precarious situation that may ultimately be his downfall.

CJ Obilom (Gabrielle De Belle-Isle)

The cast delivers outstanding performances, with standout talents from Tiffany Coty-Goines, Julio Hanson, CJ Obilom, Jenny Cadena, Dane Gbrayes, and Jason Mimms. The entire ensemble is stellar. 

Jenny Cadena (Mariette)

(l-r) Jason Mimms (Lieutenant Sevran) and Julio Hanson (Duke de Richelieu)

The musical score perfectly captures the essence of 17th-century France, adding an epic grandeur to the production.

(l-r) Cardena, Coty-Goines, and Dane Gbrayes (a servant)

There is a complex web of relationships, seduction, and danger that will keep the audience on the edge of its seat.

(l-r) Joshua Bruce (Chevalier Chamblay), Kermit C. Burns (Count D'Aumont),
and Talmadge Talib (Chamillac)

Dumas's clever writing elicits laughter and nodding in agreement.

Kudos to costume designer Naila Aladdin Sanders and her elaborate, gorgeous clothes and Joel Daavid's handsome set design.

The score, which includes works by 18th-century Black French composer Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges (1745-1799), transports the listener to the world of Dumas' classic novel.

On the DONLOE SCALE: D (don’t bother), O (oh, no), N (needs work), L (likeable), O (oh, yeah), and E (excellent), ‘The Great Lover’ gets an E (excellent).

‘The Great Lover’ is 90 minutes with no intermission. No late seating.

‘The Great Lover,’ Los Angeles Theatre Center, Theatre 4, 514 S. Spring St., Los Angeles; Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m. Dark on Saturday, October 18. Added Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. on November 8. Closes Sunday, November 9; $40, Students, seniors, veterans, and LAUSD teachers, $25.