AISLE SAY Florida
THE PLAYÕS THE THING
by Ferenc Molnar
Adapted by P. G. Wodehouse
Directed by Greg Leaming
Asolo Repertory Theatre Company
FSU Center for the Performing
Arts/Mertz Theatre
5555 N. Tamiami Tr., Sarasota,
941-351-8000; 800-361-8388
In revolving repertory through
March 13, 2008
Reviewed by Marie J. Kilker
Set in 1934 and moved to a Palm Beach hotel,
Englishman WodehouseÕs
adaptation of Hungarian MolnarÕs
farce gains from straightforward American
talk. Much is directed right to the audience, explaining--while
using--such conventions as expository opening dialogue. No-nonsense conveying
of a silly story becomes nonsense extraordinaire. Playwright Sandor Turai (Douglas Jones) and collaborator Mansky (James Clarke) bring young composer Albert (Juan Javier
Cardenas) to surprise their star,
his fiancˇ, with a last draft of their new musical. Through thin walls they
hear old flame Almady (Bryan Torfeh)
going sexually all out to stay in with Ilona (Dana Green). Since she seems to respond, Albert, crushed,
will destroy his score. Sandor must intervene!
In short order Sandor provides a script,
supposedly written by Sardieu, incorporating the exact lines of the overheard
seduction. TheyÕre to be passed off for AlbertÕs benefit as if part of a
rehearsal. Attending a fleshed-out performance, will he determine all just
peachy? Will Sandor get proper
revenge against former vocal coach Almady by giving him lines that incorporate
long, tricky French aristocratsÕ and place names? And, if you take my recommendation, will you laugh as loud
and as often as I did during the play-within-a-play?
Blame Torfeh, like Clifton Webb
imposed on Groucho Marx, for
looks that go with those crispily delivered, almost interminable French
fun-lines. Rejoice in the return to Asolo Rep, after a sabbatical, of company
patriarch Bradford Wallace,
turning a bit-part whatshisname servant (Dwornitschek) into a comedic savant. As if taking a cue from this master, Marcus
Denard Johnson garners laughs in
a supporting role as a concierge ardent about the supposed Sardieu epigrams
heÕs hearing. Enjoy Jones
taking the lead with sophistication after a string of paunchy blusterer
portrayals, while Clarke
contributes a doubting but dutiful partner to the Sandor-shenanigans. Green sweeps about elegantly in Andrea HuelseÕs costumes while working hard to merit CardenasÕ believable final confidence in her. Reflecting
the importance of a peach to outer and inner plays, Nathan Heverin incorporates both color and shape into his art
deco scenic design. Dan KotlowitzÕs
lighting also uses the tone, supplied in another way by Matthew ParkerÕs sound.
Alison Frost assisted the director. Marian
Wallace stage manages. Time: 2 hrs., 10 mins., 1 intermission.