Barrington Stage Company, Pittsfield, MA
through August 26, 2012
by Kait Rankins
Barrington Stage's production of Philip King's farce
"See How They Run" is the story of Penelope Toop (Lisa McCormick), a
former actress who has married Reverend Lionel Toop (Cary Donaldson), the vicar
of an English village. Thanks to her free spirit and modern mindset, she
struggles with fitting in - frequently drawing the ire of the buttoned-up Miss
Skillon (Michele Tauber). When Clive (Michael Brusasco), an old acting friend
who is now a British soldier, comes to call, Penelope insists on seeing a production
of Noel Coward's "Private Lives," a play they toured in years ago.
There's only one catch: Clive can't travel too far away from where he's
stationed. If he's seen in his uniform, the consequences are dire. Refusing to
take "no" for an answer, Penelope dresses Clive in the vicar's
clothes to allow him an escape for the evening.
"I've played in too many plays where characters have
done this sort of thing, and something's always gone wrong," warns Clive.
He's right: what follows is a madcap plot relying heavily on wordplay, physical
comedy, mistaken identity, slamming doors, elaborate chase scenes, and no fewer
than four men dressed in identical clothes.
With the play's frothy, lighthearted subject matter and
broadly-drawn characters, it seems easy to dismiss it as an easy play to
perform; it isn't. Director Jeff Steitzer and fight choreographer Ryan Winkles
had their work cut out for them in crafting a fast-paced comedic spectacle that
relies on timing and complicated movement. The nine actors must work as a team
as if they're partners in a dance. If one visual gag fails, the breakneck
momentum of the play is lost.
They succeed. In fact, they succeed so well that it all
appears effortless. Each character is a piece of a puzzle, where timing is
everything. Characters are drawn with a broad brush, but they're played with
skill and precision. Despite the ridiculous nature of events, actors never
cross into self-indulgence and mugging. While all members of the ensemble excel
in their roles, Dina Thomas, Michele Tauber and Jeff Brooks give standout
performances.
"See How They Run" is a feat of comedic skill and the perfect
summer treat.
