North Coast REP does it again…With a very necessary show playing until May 10th
Article by Alejandra Enciso Guzmán
Seven doors, one set. All of them opening and closing practically at the same time. Although it is not quite vaudeville, the dynamic pace really reminded me of this genre. It also reminded me of the Spanish play ‘Sexos’ by Barcelona born playwright Pep Antón Gómez where doors are also used for the plot.
Unnecessary Farce, by Paul Slade Smith combines a number of characters that mix love, pleasure, murder and…bag pipes. Eric Sheridan (Christopher M. Williams) is conducting a special investigation and is about to get the evidence he needs in order to crack the case, with the help of his partner, recently integrated to the force, Officer Billie Dwyer (Jacque Wilke). The set up begins at two motel rooms, one that is wired and the other as surveillance headquarters. Accountant Karen Brown (Jessica John) –who rocks an awesome wardrobe, all the way to the Steve Madden shoes- (props to Costume Designer Alina Bokovikova) will meet in her hotel room with Mayor Meekly (Ted Barton) and have him explain where certain funds have gone to. As they prepare to start the role playing, the Mayor’s security, Agent Frank (John Nutten) comes to ‘inspect’ the room and all hell breaks loose in the midst of a very active sexual tension between Miss Brown and Mister Sheridan, as well as a lose Irish killer (David Mcbean as Todd). Things are not as they appear, for Agent Frank is wearing another hat besides that of security guard, and the mayor’s wife, Mary Meekly (Dagmar Krause Fields), is not that innocent…
As with all productions at North Coast Rep, Unnecessary Farce delivers a beautiful set from the doors (really seven) to the nice fluffy carpet, showing a team effort by Marty Burnett (Resident Scenic Designer), Matt Novotny (Lighting Design), Benjamin Cole (Properties Designer/Set Dressing), and John Finkbiner (Scenic Artist). The piece is a high paced, mystery solving, anxiety provoking and greatly funny way to spend an evening or afternoon. Props to David Mcbean, his interpretation of ‘Todd’ is masterful with that amazing and very funny Irish accent, as well as Dagmar Krause (you will see) her accent is fantastic as well.
Matthew Wiener unfolds Paul Slade Smith’s work in a very creative and physical way, to the stage. The coordination and pace for this play shows that comedy is not just about cracking jokes and delivering punch lines. This is coordination ability to the extreme. A little too much door slamming for my taste, but a great and entertaining piece of work.
-Beware: a huge doughnut craving may occur-
Unnecessary Farce is playing now until May 10th at North Coast REP Theatre. 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Ste. D Solana Beach, CA 92075.
PRICES: Week Nights $44.00
Sat. Matinees & Sunday Nights $41.00
Sat. Nights & Sunday Matinees $48.00
DISCOUNTS: Seniors, Students, Military $3.00 off admission
BOX OFFICE (858) 481-1055 or www.northcoastrep.org
