Culture Writer
I find myself offering up a disclaimer whenever I review farce. It is not my favorite genre, and I never feel quite up to the task of writing about a play that is all silliness and no substance. So, of what use is farce? The answer is: it is strictly entertainment. And entertainment is quite elusive when it comes to farce, which is what makes it so deceptively difficult to successfully produce.
Playwright Ken Ludwig has written some of the best farce around. And although Leading Ladies may not be his absolute finest, the play is more than capable of satisfying its audience.
With Leading Ladies, one gets a strong sense that Some Like it Hot meets Tootsie. But déjà vu when it comes to theater can be a good thing, especially when the “source material” is tested and timeless.
In its production, International City Theatre (ICT) has put together a splendid cast that clearly understands the play’s humor. As for the critical timing required to pull off that humor, they’ve got that handled, too.
David Engel (of the original cast of Forever Plaid!) and John J. Joseph star as Leo Clark and Jack Gable, two down-on-their-luck and underappreciated Shakespearean actors who have been making the rounds of various minor venues in Pennsylvania. Their two-man show constitutes what can only be described as some sort of medley of the Bard’s most popular scenes. Mmm.
Flat broke and desperate to stay on their feet, Leo and Jack concoct a plan to impersonate the nephews of a wealthy old woman who is expected to die at any moment. How tough could it be to convince her they are Max and Steve, the long-lost heirs she is trying to locate with no success?
There is just one problem. Max and Steve are not nephews but nieces— Maxine and Stephanie.
The complication is deemed a mere setback to the two thespians, who scarcely realize they are faced with the biggest acting challenge of their careers.
Donning a small wardrobe of women’s attire, acquired for their Shakespearean performances, the men descend on the home of Aunt Florence (Katherine McKalip), where dwells a host of characters, some of whom are quick to suspect the fraud being perpetrated. Among the residents are the pretty and theatrically talented Meg (Jamison Lingle) and hapless anal-retentive Duncan (Daniel Lench), the most mismatched pair of about-to-be-weds imaginable. Meg just happens to be a huge fan of Shakespeare generally, and of Leo particularly. Duncan and the no-nonsense Doc Myers (Don Oscar Smith) pose the biggest challenges to Leo and Jack’s plan coming off without a hitch.
As Leo and Jack face hilarious obstacles and near misses galore in their efforts not to get caught, Leo falls in love with Meg and forgets all about the inheritance. In the meantime, Jack, who never had his heart in the scheme to begin with, falls for the friendly but dim-witted Audrey (Lyndsi LaRose), who is pursued by young Butch (Corey Craig).
Once the men’s deceit is found out, Meg and Aunt Florence have come to like them both so much that they don’t much care (which is pretty funny in and of itself).
As for the intangibles that can either make or break a production of farce! David Engel is one of the most charismatic actors out there, and the way his character looks at Meg is enough to get the heart of every woman in the audience palpitating. As Maxine, he is thoroughly endearing (think, Mrs. Doubtfire).
Joseph’s Stephanie exudes an intimate vulnerability that I found appealing, as well as intriguing. Jack’s anger at Leo for getting him into this predicament, and his subsequent actions that purposely threaten to derail their efforts, make for some very funny moments. The two men, as portrayed by Engel and Joseph, achieve quite an easy chemistry.
Staci Walters’s set is beautifully detailed, and costume designer Kim DeShazo’s wardrobe choices only contribute to the fun. With so many likable characters, it’s easy for us to like Leading Ladies.
Director Richard Israel and his cast hit all the right notes in this delightful production.
Leading Ladies continues at ICT through July 1. Tickets are $44 for Friday and Saturday evening performances and for Sunday matinees; $37 for Thursday evening performances. Evening performances are at 8pm; Sunday matinees are at 2pm. ICT is located in the Long Beach Performing Arts Center at 300 East Ocean Blvd. Call (562) 436-4610 for reservations and information. Tickets are also available online at InternationalCityTheatre.org .
