Seeing the Stage Through Our Eyes - Walnut Street Theatre

Eli Schleicher
Andrew Lloyd Weber’s Aspects of Love contradicts the traditional view of love as
having ups and downs while continuing to move forward. Of course, love will get rough at
times and can become easy and carefree in the blink of an eye, but according to Weber, love
does not want to push forward. Instead it cycles back.
At the start of the show, we find Rose Vibert, a young actress, single, and aspiring to
be the leading lady. She focuses steadily on her career and doesn’t concern herself with the
frivolities of a relationship. That is, however, until Alex Dillingham nudges his way into her
life. Thus begins Rose’s twisting cycle of love.
But before their love can even begin to bloom, George Dillingham, Alex’s uncle, steps
in and sweeps Rose off her feet and carries her into the sunset and away from Alex. Rose
gladly goes with her new interest. But two years later, regret pains her as Alex comes to
visit. Rose comes to terms with her love for not just George, but Alex as well. Her heart is
stuck and circles between an uncle and his nephew.
Advance thirteen years and Rose has settled into the arms of George. Once again
Alex visits, this time after Rose’s successful performance as the leading lady in her most
recent production. Rose greets Alex as an old friend, and Alex greets Rose as an old love.
Their intertwining circles of relationships seem to be drawing to a close. They both rest at
high points in life, both happy with their station.
But of course, what goes up must come down. Yet another two years pass and we
can see where everyone finally stands. George is gone, for reasons better left unsaid, and
Rose has one hope: Alex. But Alex, unlike Rose was able to break his cycle of love and loss
and finds a new interest. When he runs off with another girl, Rose is left alone. And just
like that, Rose comes to rest right where she started, by herself with only her career.