CALIFORNIA SUITE
Written by: Neil Simon
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz
Our Good Friends at The Shawnee Playhouse in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA presented The Worthington Players production of Neil Simon’s “California Suite” which consists of four playlets taking place in two hotel rooms in California. Although it took until the second playlet for the full comedic gifts Neil Simon is famous for to take effect, the production was well acted and very entertaining. The changing of the set between scenes added to the amusement as the stage crew dressed as hotel staff went through their amusing paces. This was an unexpected treat for the audience who applauded after the little side show was completed. It is rare stage crew members get this level of appreciation, but it was well deserved.
The first playlet presented a couple who were engaged in a custody battle for their daughter. Although the scene was well acted by Ethan Czahor (Billy Warren) and Sara Ferguson (Billy Warren), the volume was a bit low and the situation came across a bit more seriously than fans of the Mr. Simon’s work are accustomed to. This is not necessarily a bad thing as it brought more pathos to the work while allowing the audience to explore their emotional attachment to the characters without the filter humor often provides. It merely left the piece less laughable then the following ones.
The second playlet presented a situation consisting of an older man (Marvin Michaels as played by Bob Waltz) awakening to find a young woman (Bunny as played by Sara Ferguson ) next to him in bed. This scene introduces the audience to the satisfying comedic charm of the play. The laughter the scene inspired was further enhanced by the arrival of the wife (Millie Michaels as played by Irene Garner who also served as Stage Manager) and the anticipation of her discovery ensued.
The third playlet presented a couple who traveled from London to attend the Academy Awards Ceremonies. Midge McClosky portrayed an actress (Diana Nichols) who was nominated for the Academy’s Best Actress Award while Our Good Friend Neal Johnson (who also provided the Sound, Program, and Poster Design) portrayed her patient, supportive, and loving husband (Sidney Nichols) in spite of his sexual preferences. The playlet consisted of two scenes which took place before and after the Awards Ceremonies. The playlet also had a well balanced amount of comedic effects and pathos to add a degree of depth to the characters. This allowed the audience to feel for the couple while laughing at the words they shared with one another.
The fourth and final playlet gave a definite impression this was where Neil Simon decided just to have some fun. The scene consisted of the aftermath of a tennis match between two couples (Mort and Beth Hollender as played by Our Good Friends Marty Courtney and Amy Cramer-who also provided the Program and Poster Design-and Gert and Sue Franklyn as played by Amy Geiser-Getz and alternately by Michael Alan Read and Patrick Turner) while on vacation. The slap stick antics was accompanied by uproarious laughter from the audience and proved to bring a delightful ending to a wonderful theatrical evening.
The Production was well directed by Jon Baptiste (who also designed an excellent set) along with Bill Ulichney (Set Construction), Michael Alan Read (Lighting Design), and Jessica Johnson (Light and Sound Tech).
“California Suite” by Neil Simon is currently being performed at The Shawnee Playhouse in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA. The Production runs until Sunday April 1st. Please call 570-421-5093 for information and ticket reservation. The next theatrical production at The Shawnee Playhouse will be Our Good Friends at The Center Stage Players’ presentation of “Desperate Hours” to run April 27th - 29th.
Numerous photographs relating to the production can be found in The Forwardian Arts Society Theatre 2007 Gallery on The Forwardian Arts Society Blog at 360.yahoo.com/pauladam.
No comments:
Post a Comment