By Mimi Sells

July 22, 2024

You don’t need to break out the formal attire for “Don’t Dress for Dinner” that just opened at the North Coast Repertory Theatre (NCR).  Just come as you are for this racy, romantic, rapid-fire romp through a classic French farce.

In this stylish comedy, there are the requisite mistaken identities, sexual triangles, slapstick and slapdash moves and dazzling dialog delivered at dizzying speed. 

Based on the original farce by French Playwright Marc Camoletti and, more recently, adapted by Robin Hawdon, the story revolves around an unfaithful husband’s planned romantic weekend at his country home. Of course, there’s the requisite spicy mistress, a suspicious wife, a hapless friend…and a caterer.  Endless missteps, miscalculations and mistaken identities ensue. And there’s also a gourmet dinner to prepare! Prepare for culinary as well as romantic chaos. 

Breathlessly orchestrated by veteran Director Christopher Williams, the talented NCR cast certainly knows how to land a punchline.  And their physical comedy chops are equally impeccable. The cast includes: Brian Robert Burns,* Kim Morgan Dean,* Veronica Dunne, Brandon J. Pierce, Katy Tang, and Jared Van Heel. All have numerous stage and screen credits.

But the breakout star of this standout cast is the young caterer Suzette played by Veronica Dunne  Thrust into this house of secrets, Suzette quickly– and profitably– adapts to the increasingly haywire environment.  She’s a charming scene-stealer you can’t help but cheer on.

“Don’t Dress for Dinner “is actually a return engagement for NCR.  Last played over 20 years ago, fans kept requesting another run.  And, clearly, it was worth waiting for.

Don’t miss “Don’t Dress for Dinner.” It’s the perfect laugh-loaded antidote to the dog days of summer. Because North Coast Rep is an intimate theater, seats are limited and are sure to sell out quickly.  Performances now through August 11.