By: Joseph Szalinski
Much like cities in England, Pittsburgh is a wet and gloomy place where people talk funny, so it makes sense that British comedy has some fans here. While most are familiar with the work of Shakespeare or Monty Python, there are other important works that have shaped the genre. Audiences in the north hills now have a chance to familiarize themselves with an aforementioned hallmark of humor, thanks to Hay Fever, a production from Community Theatre Players, directed by Hannah Dearborn, now running at Community Presbyterian Church of Ben Avon in Ben Avon, PA.
Written by theatrical multihyphenate, Noël Coward, Hay Fever is an uproarious farce riddled with eccentric characters, notably the Bliss family. This comedy of manners manages to satirize the narcissism and other ills of the wealthy and upper class while maintaining a silliness that captivates from beginning to end, especially thanks to the performers involved.
The performers in this show are wonderful on their own and with their fellow castmates. Employing whimsical physicality, clever dialogue, plenty of chemistry, and the like, they bring this hilarious world to life. Sorel Bliss is expertly embodied by Carly Chotiner. Calvin Brookins does a wonderful job as Simon Bliss. Mace Porac, Ellen Kalikand Todd Foose entertain as Clara, Judith Bliss, and David Bliss, respectively. Adam Merulli is great as Sandy Tyrell, as is Mary-Cait Cox as Myra Arundel. Eric Rummel and Heather Johnson Smith round out the cast as Richard Greatham and Jackie Coryton.
Assisting the performers in realizing this story are a slew of technically talented folks. Jeff Cieslak’s work with lighting and sound elevates the immersive qualities of the production. Costumes by Amy Sikora Baschnagel, Fran Halley, Alisha Mehlo, and Mace Porac help flesh out the characters. Director Hannah Dearborn crafts sublime sound design. Fran Halley has designed a phenomenal set that has been beautifully constructed by an army of artists.
Community Presbyterian Church is quite the cozy venue. It’s large enough to accommodate a decent-sized stage and ample crowd, but small enough to retain a degree of intimacy that works to its benefit. Having the opportunity to see a show here is something every fan of community theatre should take advantage of.
Community Theatre Players are a group of driven individuals dedicated to putting on tremendous live events. Despite not getting a chance to do too many shows in a season, they are determined to make each show they perform an incredible experience. Invaluable to their community and to community theatre in Pittsburgh as a whole, it’s exciting to think of what they might have in store for their next show. I’m sure it’s bound to be something fun.
-JS
Hay Fever Continues its run April 4th & 5th at Community Presbyterian Church of Ben Avon in Ben Avon, PA. For tickets and additional information, click here.
