by Lonnie the Theater Lady
John Smith (Justin Mohr) is a taxi driver in London in the 1980’s. He keeps a very rigid schedule, meticulously documented in a pocket notebook. That is the only way he can keep track of when he needs to be with each of his two unsuspecting wives, Mary and Barbara. He’s able to keep up with his deception until he suffers an unfortunate head injury, while trying to rescue a woman being assaulted by two thugs. That injury sends him to the hospital and forces him to get off schedule and miss being with his wives at the promised times. He becomes somewhat of a public hero due to his intervention on behalf of the woman in distress. His picture ends up being on the front page of the newspaper and he’s in danger of being exposed as the bigamist that he is. That’s when the mayhem/hilarity begins.
The opening scene takes place on the cleverly designed set of John’s, side by side marital apartments, which allows simultaneous events to be viewed (Set designer, Robert Hockenberry). Both Mary (Kauleen Cloutier) and Barbara (Misty Challingsworth) are on the telephone calling their local police departments, out of concern that their (mutual) husband, John, hasn’t come home at his expected time. The police get involved and that’s when this British farce (Playwright Ray Cooney) proves itself to be top notch. It has it all, and then some–slamming doors, multiple puns and most notably an absurd plot that becomes increasingly more preposterous. Mistaken identities are a must in any good farce—-these include a nun, drag queen, farmer, and daily maid, among others. John is desperate to keep his wives from learning about each other. His unwitting friend Stanley (Noah Kendall) gets roped into helping John conceal his secret, through a series of ludicrous fabrications and ridiculous lies.
It’s difficult to “steal the show” when all of the actors (without exception) are delivering hysterically funny lines with spot on timing. However, the interaction between the co-conspirators Justin Mohr and Noah Kendall is comedy gold. As Mohr becomes increasingly more desperate to avoid detection, Kendall needs to come up with more and more lies to protect his friend. Together they are absolutely hilarious. Their facial expressions and emotional responses to each other become increasingly funny. Both are great physical comedians and they get to use their physicality to its full advantage.
Kauleen Cloutier, Mary, is in the midst of a near mental breakdown trying to deal with the wacky gas lighting she’s being exposed to. Her total lack of abandon in playing her role is beyond comical. Brilliant.
Misty Challingsworth equally confused by the events unfolding, is sympathetic (and very funny) in her confusion.
Bobby Franklin (Josh Berkey) provides comic relief (although none is needed in this madcap romp) He’s Barbara’s flaming, yet adorable upstairs neighbor. His gestures and flouncing add to the zany bedlam.
Jeff Johnston (Troughton) and Bob Rack (Porterhouse) are police officers with two very different personalities. Rak is wonderful as the empathetic, kind, open minded officer, who reveals an unlikely secret of his own. Johnston plays his more pragmatic role with a somewhat hard-nosed charm, despite the extremely confusing circumstances. He takes full advantage of the comedic writing in the delivery of his lines.
Gavin Calgero directs this hilarious “tour de farce” with great attention to the importance of timing. It’s fast paced and filled with well delivered laugh lines.
This uproarious basket of raucous pandemonium is guaranteed to leave everyone laughing. I can’t remember the last time I laughed this hard and this long! I hope you have the opportunity to enjoy some belly laughs with this talented group of hysterically funny actors!
Runs at South Park Theatre through May 18.
