Would you marry for a title of British nobility? You may have quickly answered “no,” but in the early 1900s, American women would have pursued them. Asolo Repertory’s newest production of W. Somerset Maugham’s Our Betters explores this question. Four women, feisty and flashy, weave through British high society in hopes of reaping the prestige and power that come with the role. One of these women, Bessie Saunders, played by Allie Henkel, juggles between a noble man and a man with a noble position. Once exposed to the lavish life of her sister Pearl (played by Katie Cunningham) in Britain, Bessie sees the true colors of the materialistic society. And while it may seem like everything Bessie knows is spiraling into chaos, at least the adventure goes down in style.

Our Betters, directed by Michael Donald Edwards, tricks the audience into seeing the play’s happenings as modern events. In an interview with Mr.Edwards, he notes “All art is modern. You have to capture the modern despite us no longer seeing it.” With success, the production elevates the sophistication and glamour that pervaded the 1920s. More so, the attention that both Edwards and Costume Designer Tracy Dorman pay to the clothing and set draws attendees into the story. Edwards, Dorman, and Scenic Designer Lee Savage don’t shy away from making bold  design statements. In fact, the early scenes of the production have an eye-catching and impactful backdrop of one of Polish artist, Lempicka’s works. While its effect cannot be described unless seen, the painting translates the “sexy” and “free” story Edwards aims to convey.

The actors in Our Betters successfully embody the zeitgeist, they provided a glimpse into the dominant fashion and thought of the time. In a time of confident elite American women, the typical attitude is most concisely described as snobbish. Character Flora Cercola, played by Denise Cormier, notes in the production, “snobbishness is the spirit of romance.” The nature of the self centered women is clearly conveyed through the role of Bessie. Allie Henkel brings her sweet and innocent demeanor to her similarly characterized role as Bessie. Katie Cunningham, playing Lady Pearl Grayston, however, steals the show. Her acting, most clearly described in one of her lines, “I’ve made myself the fashion,” shows her dominance on stage. Carrying herself as a practiced and experienced member of nobility, she makes the audience feel comfortable in the manipulative and vindictive ways of the time. She makes it feel normal.

While the people that this satire is inspired by are no longer alive, the sex, drama, and fun still thrives. Our Betters, brings drama to all aspects of the production. If you want to live a little large for a night, stop by to watch the play from now until April 19th at the Asolo Rep.