MRS. WARREN’S PROFESSION by Carol Kaufman Segal

            George Bernard Shaw (July 26, 1856 – November 2, 1950) was an Irish playwright and critic who influenced Western theater and culture, from the 1880’s and even after his death.  In 1895 he became a theatre critic and began writing his own plays.  He wrote more than sixty plays, including major works such as Man and Superman (1902), Major Barbara (1905), Misalliance (1909), Pygmalion (1912) and Saint Joan (1923).  He became a leading dramatist of his generation and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1925.

             Mrs. Warren’s Profession, one of his earlier plays, written in 1893, is playing at A Noise Within in Pasadena.  I have seen this play before, and I believe that it is still showcased because it has a sense of modernity to it in regards to women and their choices in life.  

            Cambridge-educated Vivie (Erica Soto) thinks of herself as a practical, open-minded, and modern woman.  She has been raised in middle-class comfort by her mother, Mrs.Kitty Warren (Judith Scott), who has been able to provide their comforts as a former prostitute and current madam.  Vivie never had any idea that her mother was running an illegitimate business, and upon the revelation, she is unable to accept the situation, though Kitty tries to explain the reasons for her choice to her daughter.   

            Though there are other characters to add to the storyline, the play centers on the complications that arise between the relationship of the mother and daughter and how it affects their future.  The entire cast of talented actors also includes Peter James Smith (Mr. Praed, Mrs. Warren’s friend), Jeremy Rabb (Sir George Crofts, Mrs. Warren’s business partner), Martin Kildare (Reverend Samuel Gardner, Frank Gardner’s father), and Adam Faison (Frank Gardner, Rev. Gardner’s son and Vivie’s romantic interest), all under the astute direction of Michael Michetti.

            A Noise Within is a Classic Repertory Company that celebrated its 25th Anniversary last season.  They are located at 3353 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.  Mrs. Warren’s Profession plays in repertory (closing Nov. 18) with A Tale of Two Cities (closing Nov. 19), and The Madwoman of  Chaillot (closing Nov.11).  Tickets and further information are available online at www.anoisewithin.org, or by phone by calling (626) 356-3100.

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