Playhouse on Park, West Hartford, CT
through November 20, 2016
by Shera Cohen
When I look at the word “farce” in a play’s title or as a
key description of what I am about to see, I immediately count the number of
doors onstage. As it turns out, the cover of Playhouse on Park’s program book
for “Unnecessary Farce” had already printed the words in a large font – eight
doors. Eight, hmm? This was sure to be fun.
Playhouse is a small theatre, both outside and in, yet its
stage is large, permitting enough room to hold just about any piece of theatre.
The audience sits on three sides, evenly distributed, with the stage as the
fourth wall. Sight-lines are perfect. Its actors are a mixture of Equity and
community pros – it is impossible to know which actors have the credits and
which do not. Besides, it doesn’t matter.
Comedies, especially those with an emphasis on farce, are
about as brainless as one might expect. Playhouse does perform some meaty
works; i.e. a Eugene O’Neill play is scheduled for this winter. However, this
lark is sheer fun. And, yes, every door is opened and shut (sometimes slammed)
countless times.
Our heroes, two rookie cops on their first stake-out, set up
a sting to catch the mayor’s embezzlement scheme. With an invisible wall center-stage, are two abutting hotel rooms. There are lots of fast comings and
goings which also include a couple of crooks and an “assistant crook”.
Although “Farce” is an ensemble work, Susan Slotoroff
(Police Officer Billie) takes the helm. Slotoroff plays newbie Billie with
humorous bravado and effervescence. Will Hardyman (Officer Eric) embodies his
nebbish role with fun. Julie Robles makes her Playhouse debut as a purposely
over-the-top lovelorn accountant, Mike Boland gives his Agent Frank a
no-nonsense ridiculous Jack Webb demeanor, and John-Patrick Driscoll depicts
physical humor with aplomb.
Director Russell Treyz creates “Farce” somewhat as a circus.
Every member of his cast moves fast and is extremely agile. The two
side-by-side beds quickly become the literal jumping off point when the play’s
action sparks. Even the 6’+ Driscoll is nimble on his feet. It must also be
noted that Driscoll’s indecipherable Scottish brogue offers the play’s funniest
moments.
“Unnecessary Farce” might not be necessary to see. For those
who want laughs, it comes close.
