Cole Porter's "Nymph Errant" on Theatre Row

In days of old, a knight errant would go out in the world seeking adventure. In Cole Porter’s “Nymph Errant”, an innocent young woman, Eve, travels around Europe in search of love and adventure. Although she has left an attractive suitor at home, she is intrigued by the suave European men who take her from country to country. Although she asks them not to take advantage of her, that’s exactly what she wants.

The original show, starring Gertrude Lawrence, is based on the 1933 novel by James Laver. For the time period, the play was slyly suggestive for fear of offending sensibilities. In fact, the show was probably a bit risqué and suggestive. This present-day production by the Prospect Theater Company maintains the show’s sweet innocence.

Evangeline, whose nickname Eve suggests the innocence of the garden of Eden, is played by Jennifer Blood who is adequate as the sweet young thing. She is backed by her school chums, four young women who stereotypically represent the British, Americans, French and Germans, and allow some international humor.

Advised by their teacher to “experiment,” the girls all set off and, as Eve travels, she encounters her friends again. The school friends, as well as three male actors, play several roles, changing nationality and costumes. One of the cutest scenes takes place in a German nudist colony with all the actors wearing paper naked costumes.

Cady Huffman (one of the main reasons to see this show) plays the teacher as well as a cocotte and other roles. Huffman doesn’t have a strong soprano voice, but she gets better and stronger as the show progresses, and is obviously an experienced and capable performer.

The show does feature some classically clever Porter lyrics. Porter, whose genius rhymed spleen with keen, claimed that this was his favorite score and wrote of “Bodacious Bosoms” in the song “Si Vous Aimez Leze Poitrines.”

If the show had been more campy, it would have far more satisfying. Instead, it’s only mildly entertaining. Eve sets out seeking love and adventure as we set out for entertainment. “Nymph Errant” could have been adorable. Instead, it feels creaky and mildly out of step.

For tickets and more information, visit the Prospect Theater Company website.