Play On!

Play On! is a fast-paced farce, a zany play-within-a-play, taking audiences behind the scenes of a beleaguered community theatre. They are trying desperately to put on a new play, despite maddening interference from the novice playwright who keeps revising the script.

Farce is a difficult form to direct well, with its split-second timing. Gary Johns demonstrated his vast experience by effectively building the tension to its wacky climax. The actors carry the story, without clever props or special effects - and they did the job admirably well.  Rick Abbott, the playwright, has written over 80 plays, under various pennames – and this is one of his best.

Cee Campbell as the Director (a director in real life) was the voice of sanity, wrangling the chaos into performance. She gave the Director authority and exasperation in equal measure. Sharon Butler as the stressed Stage Manager with the faulty memory was a sweet note among the feuding cast and crew.  Lane Finlayson (Saul) did an excellent job in his first non-musical play, performing with comedic aplomb. In Sue-Ellen McCubben’s safe hands, the character of Polly was extremely funny in her jealousy and ego. Jim Fury (Henry/Lord Dudley) is an expert at playing English aristocrats (and the occasional butler). He was having a ball, pretending to bungle his lines. The love scene between Billy (Hercules Hippocrates) and Violet (Yvonne Salarimatin) was hilarious and one of the definite highlights of the show.  Michelle Passalacqua was delightful as the maid/schoolgirl. Julie Kereszteny was amusingly frustrated as Louise, the stagehand.  Donna McGlinn was superb as the annoying playwright, injecting just the right balance of vexation and naivete.

Such a clever romp, especially the disastrous third act. For a fun night of loopiness and laughter, be sure to see Play on!

Judy Neumann