ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL

Having saved the French king's life, Helena is granted Bertrand as husband. But Bertrand is unwilling and flees. The scorned bride must win her husband by a ruse. This dour, uneven "comedy" never gained the popularity of the Bard's better efforts. Still, it has its charms, which the Arkangel cast does its best to emphasize. The pace never lags, the more dramatic moments work well, and the players are uniformly fine. Still, the jokes, such as they are, fall flat, Bertrand remains unredeemable, and Helena comes off whiny. The production is best enjoyed after reading the accompanying printed plot summary, for without it the action is a little muddy. Y.R. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/ MAY 06]