Theatrical Review: Move Over, Mrs. Markham

MOVE OVER, MRS. MARKHAM
Written by: Ray Cooney and John Chapman
Directed by: Sue Butler*
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz

The Shawnee Playhouse* in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA presented The Center Stage Players* production of “Move Over, Mrs. Markham” by Ray Cooney and John Chapman. This is one of those plays void of any attempts to provide any semblance of social commentary whatsoever. This sexual romp’s reason for being is simply to amuse it’s audience utilizing its plot devices and characters to serve the purpose of making the audience laugh. This can be a very good thing to do on occasion since it’s good just to have some fun. Otherwise, life may be taken too seriously and this production proves to be a fun time at the theatre.

The play itself consists of a series of misunderstandings, double meanings, and sight gags which enhanced the comedic effect. In fact, the lead in music of “Yakkity Yak” inspired many in the audience to half expect the famed British Comedian Benny Hill to run across the stage chasing some half nude woman. Although this didn’t happen, the music did set the tone of the show’s pacing which it kept quite nicely and the association worked very well as Benny Hill and this production did pretty much anything to get a laugh.

The plot of the play is so involved it boggles the mind. The characters are so far fetched and stereotypical they defy believability. Yet, combined with the other elements I’ve mentioned before, one can’t help but laugh at the antics taking place on stage. This is even true in spite of some of the jokes about Gays are more than a bit outdated and politically incorrect. Although I was taken aback by some of them, I still found myself laughing. This ability to inspire laughter along with the brilliant acting made this production a joy to experience.

The cast consisted of Patrick Turner* (who also serves on The Center Stage Players’* Board of Directors) portrayed Philip Markham the book publisher who discover what he deems evidence of his wife‘s infidelity, Katherine Neville* (who also serves as The Center Stage Players’* Treasurer and designed the production‘s flyer and program) portrayed Joanna Markham who decides to help out her friend carry on an illicit affair in her home for which she becomes accused of having, Mary Erm* (who also serves as The Center Stage Players’* Vice President) portrays Linda Lodge Mrs. Markham’s friend who seeks an affair due to her husband being inattentive, Ed Goldsmith portrayed Henry Lodge Linda’s Husband and Philip Markham business partner who has plans for a tryst of his own and is being helped by Mr. Markham to secure a place in his home, Dan Eash* (who also serves on The Center Stage Players’* Board of Directors) portrayed Alistair the Interior Decorator who is looking forward to utilizing the Markham home for his illicit adventure with the Dutch Au Pair, Maria Sole* portrayed Sylvie Hauser the sexy Dutch Au Pair, Jack Butler* (who also served as the production’s Co-Set Designer) portrayed Walter Pangbourne who is Linda Lodge’s gentleman caller, Dawn Valentine portrayed Miss. Wilkinson the object of Henry Lodge’s desires, and Pat Van Varick* (who also serves on The Center Stage Players’* Board of Directors) portrayed Olive Harriet Smythe whose only desire is to have her book series published by a publisher who has a high moral standing.

The Shawnee Playhouse* presentation of The Center Stage Players’* production of “Move Over, Mrs. Markham” by Ray Cooney and John Chapman was Directed by Sue Butler* who also designed the production’s set and serves as The Center Stage Players’ President and was Stage Managed by Lillian Gonzalez* who also serves as The Center Stage Player’* Secretary. The Lighting Design was done by Arthur Ritter while The Light/Sound Technician was Eric Dwyer* who also worked in Set Construction along with Kevin Dwyer and Jeff Ranne. The Executive Director of The Shawnee Playhouse* is Midge McClosky* while the producers are Ginny and Charlie Kirkwood*. Group Sales of the productions are handled by Mary Horn* (who also served as a member of the Box Office Staff with Becky Haskell) while The Shawnee Playhouse publicity is handled by Amy Cramer*.

This presentation of The Center Stage Players’* production of “Move Over, Mrs. Markham” by Ray Cooney and John Chapman will continue its run at The Shawnee Playhouse* in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA until May 3rd and is recommended to those who would like to spend their evening laughing during sex. The next Shawnee Playhouse* in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA presentations will be their production of “The Fred Waring Radio Show“ May 8th - 10th, “Snapshots“ May 15th - 24th, “A Walk In The Woods” presented May 29th through 31st, “Always… Patsy Cline” from June 5th to July 12th, “Camelot” from June 26th to August 9th.

Please contact The Shawnee Playhouse* at 570-421-5093 or Explore their Website for more information and to reserve your ticket. Please feel free to Explore The Center Stage Players’* Website at www.centerstageplayers.org to learn more information about them.

Those who enjoy the Passionate Art Lover level of membership in The Forwardian Arts Society are offered a $2.00 discount off the admission fee of selected The Shawnee Playhouse* Productions.

Photograph provided by The Shawnee Playhouse.

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.